What are event flags and how do they affect performance?

What are event flags and how do they affect performance?

Event flags are synchronization primitives used in concurrent programming. They help manage the execution flow of tasks by signaling when certain events occur. Their impact on performance can vary based on how they are implemented and used.

Can you give me an example of how event flags are used in a real application?

Sure! In a multi-threaded application, event flags can be used to signal a worker thread to start processing data only when the data is ready. This prevents the thread from wasting resources by polling for data.

What are the potential downsides of using event flags?

One downside is that improper use of event flags can lead to deadlocks or race conditions, which can severely impact performance and reliability.

How can I optimize the use of event flags in my application?

To optimize event flags, ensure they are used judiciously, avoid unnecessary signaling, and consider using higher-level abstractions like condition variables or message queues when appropriate.