What is thread safety in C++ and how can I achieve it?

What is thread safety in C++ and how can I achieve it?

Thread safety in C++ means that your code can safely be executed by multiple threads at the same time without causing data corruption. You can achieve it using mutexes, locks, and atomic operations.

Can you explain how to use mutexes for thread safety?

Sure! A mutex (mutual exclusion) is a synchronization primitive that can be used to protect shared data. You can lock a mutex before accessing shared data and unlock it afterward to ensure that only one thread can access the data at a time.

What are some common pitfalls to avoid when working with threads?

Common pitfalls include deadlocks, race conditions, and forgetting to unlock mutexes. Always ensure proper locking and unlocking, and consider using higher-level abstractions like std::lock_guard.

Are there any libraries that can help with thread safety in C++?

Yes, the C++ Standard Library provides several features for thread safety, including std::thread, std::mutex, and std::atomic. Additionally, libraries like Boost.Thread offer more advanced threading capabilities.