What are some examples of using mutex in C++?

What are some examples of using mutex in C++?

Mutexes in C++ are used to prevent data races in multithreaded applications. For example, you can use std::mutex to protect shared resources.

Can you show me a code snippet that uses a mutex?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

#include <iostream>
#include <thread>
#include <mutex>

std::mutex mtx;
int sharedCounter = 0;

void incrementCounter() {
    mtx.lock();
    ++sharedCounter;
    mtx.unlock();
}

int main() {
    std::thread t1(incrementCounter);
    std::thread t2(incrementCounter);
    t1.join();
    t2.join();
    std::cout << "Final counter value: " << sharedCounter << std::endl;
}

What happens if I forget to unlock the mutex?

If you forget to unlock the mutex, it can lead to a deadlock situation where other threads are blocked indefinitely, causing your program to hang.

Are there alternatives to using mutex in C++?

Yes, alternatives include using std::lock_guard for automatic locking and unlocking, or using atomic variables for simple cases.