C++: std::atomic vs Mutex

What are the main differences between std::atomic and mutex in C++?

std::atomic provides lock-free operations for single variables, while mutex is used for locking resources to prevent data races.

When should I use std::atomic instead of a mutex?

Use std::atomic for simple data types where you need fast, lock-free access. Mutex is better for complex data structures.

Can you give an example of using std::atomic?

Sure! Here's a simple example: std::atomic<int> counter = 0; and you can increment it with counter++; which is thread-safe.

What are the performance implications of using mutex?

Mutex can introduce overhead due to locking and unlocking, which may lead to contention and reduced performance in multi-threaded scenarios.