Explain Java volatile semantics
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This interview question evaluates algorithm design, data structures, correctness, complexity, edge cases, and implementation details in a realistic interview setting. A strong answer for Explain Java volatile semantics states assumptions, handles edge cases, explains trade-offs, and shows how to validate the result clearly.
What does the volatile keyword guarantee in Java's memory model? Describe visibility, ordering (happens-before), and restrictions on instruction reordering around volatile accesses. Clarify what volatile does not guarantee (e.g., atomicity of compound operations) and compare it with synchronized/locks; give example use cases.
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