How do different synchronization primitives compare?

What are synchronization primitives and why are they important?

Synchronization primitives are low-level programming constructs that help manage access to shared resources in concurrent programming. They are crucial for preventing race conditions and ensuring data consistency.

Can you compare mutexes and semaphores?

Sure! Mutexes allow only one thread to access a resource at a time, while semaphores can allow multiple threads, up to a specified limit. Mutexes are generally simpler to use, but semaphores can be more flexible.

What about condition variables? How do they fit in?

Condition variables are used in conjunction with mutexes to allow threads to wait for certain conditions to be true before proceeding. They enable more complex synchronization scenarios.

Which one should I use for my project?

It depends on your specific needs. If you need exclusive access, use a mutex. If you need to manage multiple threads, consider semaphores or condition variables.