What are some alternatives to lock_guard in C++?

What are some alternatives to lock_guard in C++?

In C++, alternatives to lock_guard include unique_lock, shared_lock, and using manual locking with mutexes.

Can you explain how unique_lock differs from lock_guard?

Certainly! unique_lock provides more flexibility than lock_guard, allowing for deferred locking and unlocking.

When should I use shared_lock instead of unique_lock?

Use shared_lock when you want to allow multiple threads to read shared data simultaneously while preventing writes.

Are there any performance considerations with these alternatives?

Yes, unique_lock can introduce overhead due to its flexibility, while lock_guard is more lightweight for simple locking.

What about using atomic variables instead of locks?

Atomic variables can be a good alternative for simple data types, as they allow lock-free operations, improving performance.