What are the differences between Mutex and Lock in C#?

What are the differences between Mutex and Lock in C#?

Mutex and Lock are both synchronization primitives in C#. A Lock is used for thread synchronization within a single process, while a Mutex can be used for synchronization across multiple processes.

Can you explain how they work in more detail?

Sure! A Lock is a lightweight mechanism that allows only one thread to access a resource at a time. It is faster but limited to the same process. A Mutex, on the other hand, is heavier and can be used to synchronize threads across different processes, making it suitable for inter-process communication.

When should I use Mutex instead of Lock?

You should use a Mutex when you need to synchronize access to a resource that may be accessed by threads in different processes. If all threads are within the same process, a Lock is usually more efficient.

Are there any performance implications of using Mutex?

Yes, using a Mutex can introduce more overhead compared to a Lock due to its ability to work across processes. This can lead to slower performance, especially if used frequently in a high-load scenario.