How do I manage the lifetime of threads in C++?

How do I manage the lifetime of threads in C++?

In C++, you can manage thread lifetimes using the std::thread class. You should ensure that threads are joined or detached before they go out of scope.

What happens if I don't join or detach a thread?

If you don't join or detach a thread, it will lead to a program termination error. The thread will be considered a 'joinable' thread, and the program will not exit until it is properly managed.

Can you explain the difference between joining and detaching a thread?

Joining a thread means waiting for it to finish execution, while detaching allows it to run independently. Once detached, you cannot join it later.

Are there any best practices for thread management in C++?

Yes, always ensure threads are properly joined or detached, avoid data races using mutexes, and prefer using higher-level abstractions like std::async when possible.