What are some examples of synchronization techniques in programming?

What are some examples of synchronization techniques in programming?

Synchronization techniques are methods used to control the access of multiple threads to shared resources. Examples include mutexes, semaphores, and monitors.

Can you explain how a mutex works?

A mutex, or mutual exclusion, is a locking mechanism that ensures only one thread can access a resource at a time, preventing race conditions.

What is the difference between a mutex and a semaphore?

A mutex allows only one thread to access a resource, while a semaphore can allow multiple threads to access a limited number of resources.

Are there any drawbacks to using these techniques?

Yes, synchronization techniques can lead to issues like deadlocks, where two or more threads are waiting indefinitely for resources held by each other.