How can I implement thread synchronization in C++?

How can I implement thread synchronization in C++?

You can use mutexes, condition variables, and locks to synchronize threads in C++. Would you like an example?

Yes, please provide a simple example using mutex.

Sure! Here's a basic example:

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

std::mutex mtx;

void printThread(int id) {
    mtx.lock();  // Lock the mutex
    std::cout << "Thread " << id << " is running." << std::endl;
    mtx.unlock();  // Unlock the mutex
}

int main() {
    std::thread t1(printThread, 1);
    std::thread t2(printThread, 2);
    t1.join();
    t2.join();
    return 0;
}

This code creates two threads that print their IDs while ensuring that the output is synchronized.

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 acquire the lock and get stuck waiting indefinitely.

Are there any alternatives to using mutexes?

Yes, you can use other synchronization mechanisms like semaphores, condition variables, or even higher-level abstractions like std::async for managing concurrency.