What are different ways to synchronize threads in C#?
What are different ways to synchronize threads in C#?
591
06-Mar-2025
Updated on 10-Mar-2025
Khushi Singh
10-Mar-2025C# provides different synchronization methods that enable threads to maintain mutual access while preventing data concurrency issues. A set of essential synchronization tools consists of lock, Monitor, Mutex, Semaphore,
AutoResetEvent, ManualResetEventand Concurrent Collections.The lock keyword represents one of the most prevalent synchronization mechanisms in C# because it controls critical sections by letting only one thread enter at once. Internal code of lock statements relies on Monitor to achieve thread coordination while providing advanced coordination methods
Wait(), Pulse(), PulseAll().The synchronization tool known as Mutex provides multiple-process usage like lock yet enables inter-process data sharing. Thus making it appropriate for inter-process synchronization. Through this mechanism, a shared resource becomes accessible by only one thread or process during its current interval.
Semaphores serve as flexible synchronization tools that permit different threads to acquire limited resources at the same time. Running an application under the binary semaphore gives you mutex benefits with the counting semaphore granting access to predetermined thread numbers alongside blocking further threads.
The synchronization tool choice for threading applications includes
AutoResetEventandManualResetEventas standard components. The event-based synchronization techniques enable one thread to notify another thread about the fulfillment of particular conditions. The AutoResetEvent self-resets itself when it frees waiting threads yet ManualResetEvent needs external reset instructions.The thread-safe Concurrent Collections which include
ConcurrentDictionaryandBlockingCollectionandConcurrentQueueoffer synchronized options for standard data types likeList<T>andDictionary<K, V>. The built-in synchronization functions provide internal handling of concurrent operations which eliminates the requirement of manual locks.Application requirements determine the right synchronization method selection because it determine exclusive access duration and concurrent thread processing rates alongside process boundary requirements.
Also, learn more about synchronization in C#