What are the differences between semaphores and mutexes in C++?

What are the differences between semaphores and mutexes in C++?

Semaphores and mutexes are both synchronization primitives used in C++. A mutex is used to protect shared resources by allowing only one thread to access the resource at a time, while a semaphore can allow multiple threads to access a limited number of resources.

Can you explain how semaphores work in C++?

Sure! A semaphore maintains a count that represents the number of available resources. When a thread wants to access a resource, it decreases the count. If the count is zero, the thread will block until a resource becomes available.

What about mutexes? How do they ensure thread safety?

Mutexes ensure thread safety by locking the resource when a thread accesses it. Other threads attempting to lock the same mutex will be blocked until the first thread releases the lock.

Are there any performance differences between using semaphores and mutexes?

Yes, semaphores can be more efficient when multiple threads need to access a limited number of resources, while mutexes are generally simpler and can be faster for protecting single resources.