Locking is a technique used in various fields, including computer science and engineering, to control access to shared resources. It ensures that only one process or user can access a resource at a time, preventing conflicts and maintaining data integrity. This is particularly important in multi-user environments where simultaneous access could lead to errors or data corruption. In programming, locking mechanisms can be implemented through various methods, such as mutexes or semaphores. These tools help manage how threads or processes interact with shared data, ensuring that operations are completed safely and efficiently. Proper use of locking is essential for building reliable and robust systems.