What are the differences between various synchronization primitives?

What are the differences between various synchronization primitives?

Synchronization primitives are tools used in concurrent programming to manage access to shared resources. Common types include mutexes, semaphores, and monitors. Each has its own use cases and performance characteristics.

Can you explain how mutexes work?

A mutex, or mutual exclusion, is a locking mechanism that ensures only one thread can access a resource at a time. When a thread locks a mutex, other threads trying to lock it will be blocked until the mutex is unlocked.

What about semaphores? How do they differ from mutexes?

Semaphores are signaling mechanisms that can allow multiple threads to access a limited number of resources. Unlike mutexes, which allow only one thread at a time, semaphores can permit a specified number of threads to access a resource simultaneously.

Are there any performance considerations I should be aware of?

Yes, performance can vary based on the synchronization primitive used. Mutexes can lead to contention if many threads are trying to access a resource, while semaphores can introduce overhead due to signaling. It's essential to choose the right primitive based on your application's needs.