What is the difference between Mutex and Lock in C#?

What is the difference between Mutex and Lock in C#?

In C#, both Mutex and Lock are used for thread synchronization, but they serve different purposes. A Lock is a lightweight mechanism that is used to ensure that only one thread can access a resource at a time within a single process. On the other hand, a Mutex can be used for synchronization across multiple processes, making it more suitable for inter-process communication.

Can you give me an example of when to use Mutex instead of Lock?

Sure! You would use a Mutex when you need to synchronize access to a resource that is shared between different applications. For example, if two separate applications need to write to the same file, a Mutex would ensure that only one application can write to the file at a time.

Are there any performance differences between using Mutex and Lock?

Yes, there are performance differences. Locks are generally faster and have less overhead since they are designed for use within a single process. Mutexes, being more versatile, come with additional overhead, which can make them slower, especially in scenarios where high performance is critical.

What happens if a thread holding a Lock crashes?

If a thread holding a Lock crashes, the Lock will be released automatically when the thread terminates. However, if a Mutex is not released properly, it can lead to deadlocks or resource contention issues, requiring careful management.