When should I use synchronized in Java?

When should I use synchronized in Java?

You should use synchronized when you need to control access to a shared resource by multiple threads.

Can you give me an example of a situation where it's necessary?

Sure! If you have a bank account class where multiple threads can deposit or withdraw money, using synchronized ensures that the balance is updated correctly.

What happens if I don't use synchronized in that case?

Without synchronized, you might encounter race conditions, leading to incorrect balance calculations.

Are there any performance drawbacks to using synchronized?

Yes, using synchronized can lead to performance issues due to thread contention, so it's important to use it judiciously.