What are the advantages of using a synchronized block compared to a synchronized method for ensuring thread safety?

The synchronized block (synchronized block) in Java provides more flexible and precise control over the synchronization scope compared to a synchronized method.

Advantages of a synchronized block:

• Reduced lock scope: you can synchronize only the critical part of the code, not the entire method, which improves performance.
• Lock object selection: you can specify a particular object for locking instead of locking the entire instance or class.
• Flexibility: allows combining synchronization with other operations inside the method.

Example:

public void update() {
    // code that does not require synchronization
    synchronized(this) {
        // critical section
    }
    // remaining code
}

Unlike a synchronized method, where the entire method is locked, a synchronized block reduces the lock holding time and increases concurrency.