Python Threads - Critical Section

Question

What is the \"critical section\" of a thread (in Python)?

A thread enters the critical section by calling the acquire() method, which can either b

Answer 1

A critical section of code is one that can only be executed by one thread at a time. Take a chat server for instance. If you have a thread for each connection (i.e., each end user), one "critical section" is the spooling code (sending an incoming message to all the clients). If more than one thread tries to spool a message at once, you'll get BfrIToS mANtwD PIoEmesCEsaSges intertwined, which is obviously no good at all.

A lock is something that can be used to synchronize access to a critical section (or resources in general). In our chat server example, the lock is like a locked room with a typewriter in it. If one thread is in there (to type a message out), no other thread can get into the room. Once the first thread is done, he unlocks the room and leaves. Then another thread can go in the room (locking it). "Aquiring" the lock just means "I get the room."