Java FAQ: Top Questions

ReentrantLock and synchronized are Java mechanisms for thread synchronization, but ReentrantLock offers more flexibility and features.

• synchronized:
  • Built-in keyword for methods or blocks.
  • Automatically releases the lock on block exit.
  • Limited control (e.g., no timeout, no fairness).
• ReentrantLock:
  • Class in java.util.concurrent.locks .
  • Explicit lock/unlock with lock() and unlock() .
  • Features: try-lock, timeouts, fairness, and condition variables.
  • Requires manual unlocking, typically in try-finally .