What is the difference between a mutex and a recursive mutex?

Can you explain the difference between a mutex and a recursive mutex?

Sure! A mutex is a synchronization primitive that allows only one thread to access a resource at a time. A recursive mutex, on the other hand, allows the same thread to lock the mutex multiple times without causing a deadlock.

Why would I use a recursive mutex instead of a regular mutex?

You would use a recursive mutex when you have a situation where the same thread needs to acquire the lock multiple times, such as in recursive function calls. This prevents deadlocks that would occur with a regular mutex.

Are there any performance implications when using a recursive mutex?

Yes, recursive mutexes can introduce some overhead due to the need to keep track of the number of locks held by a thread. This can make them slightly slower than regular mutexes.

Can you give an example of when to use each type?

Certainly! Use a regular mutex for simple resource protection, like accessing a shared variable. Use a recursive mutex in scenarios like a recursive function that needs to lock the same resource multiple times.