What are the common mistakes when using spinlocks and mutexes?

What are the common mistakes when using spinlocks and mutexes?

Common mistakes include using spinlocks in situations where mutexes are more appropriate, leading to performance issues.

Can you explain why using spinlocks can be problematic?

Spinlocks can lead to busy-waiting, consuming CPU cycles unnecessarily, especially if the lock is held for a long time.

What are the best practices for using mutexes?

Best practices include minimizing the time a mutex is held, avoiding nested locks, and using try-lock mechanisms when possible.

How do I choose between a spinlock and a mutex?

Choose a spinlock for short, frequent locks where wait times are minimal, and a mutex for longer, more complex operations.