What are the best practices for using the C++ std atomic library?

What are the best practices for using the C++ std atomic library?

When using the C++ std atomic library, it's important to ensure that you understand memory ordering, use atomic types appropriately, and avoid unnecessary atomic operations to maintain performance.

Can you explain memory ordering in more detail?

Sure! Memory ordering defines how operations on atomic variables are seen by other threads. The main types are relaxed, acquire, release, and sequentially consistent, each providing different guarantees about visibility and ordering.

What are some common pitfalls to avoid?

Common pitfalls include using atomic operations unnecessarily, misunderstanding memory order semantics, and failing to protect non-atomic shared data.

How do I choose the right atomic type for my use case?

Choose the atomic type based on the data you need to protect. For example, use std::atomic<int> for integers or std::atomic<bool> for flags. Consider the size and alignment of the data as well.