What are the differences between read-write locks and mutexes?

What are the differences between read-write locks and mutexes?

Read-write locks allow multiple readers or one writer, while mutexes allow only one thread at a time.

When should I use a read-write lock instead of a mutex?

Use a read-write lock when you have many read operations and few write operations to improve performance.

Are there any downsides to using read-write locks?

Yes, read-write locks can introduce complexity and potential for deadlocks if not managed properly.

Can you give an example of when to use each?

Sure! Use a mutex for simple resource access, and a read-write lock for a database where reads are frequent.