What are the common mistakes when using semaphores and mutexes?

What are the common mistakes when using semaphores and mutexes?

Some common mistakes include using semaphores instead of mutexes for mutual exclusion, leading to race conditions.

Can you explain the difference between semaphores and mutexes?

Certainly! A mutex is a locking mechanism that allows only one thread to access a resource at a time, while a semaphore can allow multiple threads to access a limited number of resources.

What happens if I forget to release a mutex?

Forgetting to release a mutex can lead to deadlocks, where threads are stuck waiting for each other to release the lock.

Are there any best practices for using semaphores and mutexes?

Yes, always ensure that every lock acquisition has a corresponding release, and avoid holding locks for extended periods.