Mutex vs Spinlock in C++

What is the difference between a mutex and a spinlock in C++?

A mutex is a locking mechanism that allows only one thread to access a resource at a time, while a spinlock is a busy-waiting lock that repeatedly checks if the lock is available.

When should I use a mutex instead of a spinlock?

You should use a mutex when you expect threads to be blocked for a longer time, as it puts the thread to sleep. Use a spinlock for short wait times, as it can be more efficient in that case.

Are there any performance implications of using one over the other?

Yes, spinlocks can lead to CPU wastage if the wait time is long, while mutexes can introduce context switching overhead. The choice depends on the specific use case.

Can you give an example of when to use each?

Sure! Use a mutex for file access where threads may wait a while, and a spinlock for a short critical section in a high-performance application.