What is the difference between mutex and locks?

What is the difference between mutex and locks?

Mutexes and locks are both synchronization mechanisms used in programming to control access to shared resources. A mutex (mutual exclusion) allows only one thread to access a resource at a time, while locks can be more flexible and may allow multiple threads to access a resource under certain conditions.

Can you give me an example of when to use a mutex?

Sure! You would use a mutex when you have a shared variable that multiple threads need to modify. For instance, if two threads are updating a counter, using a mutex ensures that only one thread can update the counter at a time, preventing race conditions.

Are there any downsides to using mutexes?

Yes, using mutexes can lead to issues like deadlocks if not managed properly. If two threads are waiting on each other to release a mutex, they can end up in a deadlock situation, causing the program to hang.

What about other types of locks?

Other types of locks include read-write locks, which allow multiple readers or one writer, and spinlocks, which are lightweight and busy-wait for the lock to become available. Each type has its own use cases and trade-offs.