What is the difference between unique lock and shared lock in C++?

What is the difference between unique lock and shared lock in C++?

In C++, a unique lock provides exclusive ownership of a mutex, while a shared lock allows multiple threads to read concurrently.

Can you give me an example of when to use each type of lock?

Sure! Use a unique lock when you need to modify shared data, and a shared lock when multiple threads need to read the data without modifying it.

What happens if I try to use a unique lock when another thread is holding a shared lock?

If a unique lock is requested while a shared lock is held, the unique lock will block until all shared locks are released.

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

Yes, shared locks can improve performance in read-heavy scenarios, while unique locks are better for write-heavy scenarios due to their exclusivity.