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---
layout: pattern
title: Mutex
folder: mutex
permalink: /patterns/mutex/
categories: Lock
tags:
- Java
- Difficulty-Beginner
---
## Also known as
Mutual Exclusion Lock
Binary Semaphore
## Intent
Create a lock which only allows a single thread to access a resource at any one instant.
![alt text](./etc/mutex.png "Mutex")
## Applicability
Use a Mutex when
* you need to prevent two threads accessing a critical section at the same time
* concurrent access to a resource could lead to a race condition
## Credits
* [Lock (computer science)] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lock_(computer_science))
* [Semaphores] (http://tutorials.jenkov.com/java-concurrency/semaphores.html)