How do I use std::mutex in C++?

Can you explain how to use std::mutex in C++?

Sure! std::mutex is used to protect shared data from being accessed by multiple threads simultaneously. You can lock a mutex before accessing shared data and unlock it afterward.

Can you show me a simple example of using std::mutex?

Of course! Here's a basic example:

#include <iostream>
#include <thread>
#include <mutex>

std::mutex mtx;
int sharedData = 0;

void increment() {
    mtx.lock();
    ++sharedData;
    mtx.unlock();
}

int main() {
    std::thread t1(increment);
    std::thread t2(increment);
    t1.join();
    t2.join();
    std::cout << "Shared Data: " << sharedData << std::endl;
}

This code creates two threads that increment a shared variable safely.

What happens if I forget to unlock the mutex?

If you forget to unlock the mutex, it can lead to a deadlock situation where other threads are unable to access the shared data, causing your program to hang.

Are there any alternatives to std::mutex?

Yes, alternatives include std::recursive_mutex for recursive locking and std::shared_mutex for shared access among multiple readers.