In C#, the lock statement is used to ensure that a block of code runs only by one thread at a time, which helps to prevent race conditions. The difference between lock(this) and lock(privateObj) lies in the object that you’re using to synchronize access to the block of code.
lock(this):
Locks on the Current Instance: When you use lock(this), you’re locking the instance of the current object. This means that if another thread tries to lock on the same instance, it will be blocked until the lock is released.
Visibility: If your object is publicly accessible, other classes could potentially lock on the same instance, which might lead to unexpected behavior or deadlocks.
lock(privateObj):
Locks on a Private Object: Using lock(privateObj) means you’re locking on a private object that is typically only accessible within the class. This is generally safer as it limits the scope of the lock to just your class, preventing outside interference.
Encapsulation: This approach helps to encapsulate the locking mechanism, ensuring that only your class can control access to the critical section of code.