Learning Java, 4th Edition

Synchronization

Every thread has a mind of its own. Normally, a thread goes about its business without any regard for what other threads in the application are doing. Threads may be time-sliced, which means they can run in arbitrary spurts and bursts as directed by the operating system. On a multiprocessor system, it is even possible for many different threads to be running simultaneously on different CPUs. This section is about coordinating the activities of two or more threads so that they can work together and not collide in their use of the same variables and methods (coordinating their play on the golf course).

Java provides a few simple structures for synchronizing the activities of threads. They are all based on the concept of monitors, a widely used synchronization scheme. You don’t have to know the details about how monitors work to be able to use them, but it may help you to have a picture in mind.

A monitor is essentially a lock. The lock is attached to a resource that many threads may need to access, but that should be accessed by only one thread at a time. It’s very much like a restroom with a lock on the door; if it’s unlocked, you can enter and lock the door while you are using it. If the resource is not being used, the thread can acquire the lock and access the resource. When the thread is done, it relinquishes the lock, just as you unlock the restroom door and leave it open for the next person. However, if another thread already has the lock for the resource, all ...