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 to protect shared resources.

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;
int sharedResource = 0;

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

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

What are the potential issues if I forget to unlock the mutex?

If you forget to unlock the mutex, it can lead to deadlocks, where threads are waiting indefinitely for the mutex to be released.

Are there alternatives to using mutexes?

Yes, alternatives include using std::lock_guard for automatic locking and unlocking, or using atomic variables for simple cases.