When Should I Use the Volatile Keyword in C# Instead of Locking?

Volatile keywords and locking comparisons: When does it use Volatile?

In the multi -threaded environment of C#, Keywords are critical to solve the problem of specific memory synchronization.

Uses and limitations volatile

As explained by Eric Lippert, Keyword indicator compilers and runtime Avoid ordering and optimizing the code for specific variables. In addition, it also indicates that the processor ensures the latest value, even if this needs to suspend other processors to cache it with the main memory.

However, Lippert reminded that

Keywords do not guarantee that each processor will suspend its operation and update its cache. Instead, it provides a weaker guarantee for observed memory access. volatile

When to use volatile instead of locking

volatile

Lock guarantees consistent memory access and prevent multiple threads from accessing the same memory area at the same time. Although the lock provides these key guarantees, they also introduce performance overhead.

When the consistency of memory is required but the performance is also critical, the use of keywords can avoid locking. This happened in:

A variable is shared between multiple threads, but only one thread is written.

The value of the variable is rarely accessed, and the modification rarely occurs. volatile

Experts suggest
• Lippert strongly recommend avoiding the use of
fields, emphasizing the complexity of the introduction of synchronization problems and understanding the accurate memory model. He suggested that you use locks in most multi -threaded scenarios, and only use

when the experts need to be very high and can only be treated by experts.

More resources

More insights on complexity: volatile volatile

Understand the influence of low -locking technology in multi -threaded applications

Farewell to volatile

volatile

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