What is mutex locking and how does it work?

What is mutex locking and how does it work?

Mutex locking is a synchronization mechanism used in programming to control access to a shared resource. It ensures that only one thread can access the resource at a time, preventing race conditions.

Can you explain a race condition?

A race condition occurs when two or more threads access shared data and try to change it at the same time. This can lead to unpredictable results and bugs.

How do I implement mutex locking in my code?

To implement mutex locking, you typically use a mutex object provided by your programming language's threading library. You lock the mutex before accessing the shared resource and unlock it afterward.

What are some common pitfalls when using mutexes?

Common pitfalls include forgetting to unlock a mutex, leading to deadlocks, and overusing mutexes, which can reduce performance due to increased contention.