How does thread safety work with C++ shared_ptr?

Can you explain how thread safety works with C++ shared_ptr?

Sure! In C++, shared_ptr is not inherently thread-safe. This means that if multiple threads are accessing the same shared_ptr instance, you need to manage synchronization yourself.

What happens if two threads try to modify the same shared_ptr?

If two threads modify the same shared_ptr without synchronization, it can lead to undefined behavior, such as memory corruption or crashes.

How can I make shared_ptr thread-safe?

You can use mutexes to synchronize access to shared_ptr instances. Wrap the shared_ptr operations in a lock to ensure only one thread accesses it at a time.

Are there any alternatives to shared_ptr for thread safety?

Yes, you might consider using atomic smart pointers or other synchronization mechanisms, depending on your use case.