What is the best way to use mutexes in C++?

What is the best way to use mutexes in C++?

Using mutexes in C++ is essential for thread safety. You can use std::mutex from the <mutex> header.

Can you give me an example of how to implement a mutex?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

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

std::mutex mtx;

void printThreadId(int id) {
    mtx.lock();  // Lock the mutex
    std::cout << "Thread ID: " << id << '\n';
    mtx.unlock();  // Unlock the mutex
}

int main() {
    std::thread threads[5];
    for (int i = 0; i < 5; ++i) {
        threads[i] = std::thread(printThreadId, i);
    }
    for (auto& th : threads) {
        th.join();
    }
    return 0;
}

What are the potential issues with using mutexes?

Potential issues include deadlocks, where two or more threads are waiting for each other to release a mutex, and performance bottlenecks due to excessive locking.

How can I avoid deadlocks when using mutexes?

To avoid deadlocks, ensure that all threads acquire locks in a consistent order, and consider using timed locks or lock hierarchies.