What are the best practices for using mutexes and semaphores?

What are the best practices for using mutexes and semaphores?

When using mutexes, ensure to lock them only when necessary and unlock them as soon as possible to avoid deadlocks. For semaphores, use them to control access to a limited number of resources, and always check the semaphore value before proceeding.

Can you explain the difference between mutexes and semaphores?

Certainly! A mutex is a locking mechanism that allows only one thread to access a resource at a time, while a semaphore can allow multiple threads to access a limited number of resources.

What are some common pitfalls to avoid with these synchronization tools?

Common pitfalls include forgetting to unlock a mutex, leading to deadlocks, and using semaphores incorrectly, which can cause race conditions.

How do I choose between using a mutex or a semaphore?

Choose a mutex when you need exclusive access to a resource, and opt for a semaphore when you want to control access to a pool of resources.