What are some examples of mutexes in programming?

What are some examples of mutexes in programming?

Mutexes, or mutual exclusions, are used to prevent concurrent access to shared resources. Examples include:

1. Pthreads Mutex: Used in C/C++ for thread synchronization.
2. Java's ReentrantLock: A flexible locking mechanism in Java.
3. C# Monitor: Provides a way to lock objects in .NET applications.

Can you explain how a Pthreads mutex works?

Sure! A Pthreads mutex is initialized and then locked by a thread before accessing shared data. Once done, the thread unlocks it, allowing other threads to access the data safely. This prevents race conditions.

What happens if a thread forgets to unlock a mutex?

If a thread forgets to unlock a mutex, it can lead to a deadlock situation where other threads are indefinitely waiting for the mutex to be released, causing the program to hang.

Are there alternatives to mutexes for synchronization?

Yes, alternatives include semaphores, condition variables, and read-write locks, each with its own use cases and advantages.