What are mutexes and semaphores in programming?

What are mutexes and semaphores in programming?

Mutexes and semaphores are synchronization primitives used to manage access to shared resources in concurrent programming.

Can you give me an example of how a mutex works?

Sure! A mutex allows only one thread to access a resource at a time. For example, if two threads try to write to a file, a mutex ensures that only one thread can write at a time.

How does a semaphore differ from a mutex?

A semaphore can allow multiple threads to access a resource simultaneously, while a mutex only allows one. Semaphores maintain a count to control access.

When should I use a mutex instead of a semaphore?

Use a mutex when you need exclusive access to a resource. Use a semaphore when you want to limit access to a certain number of threads.