What is the difference between a mutex and a semaphore?

What is the difference between a mutex and a semaphore?

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 resource, up to a defined limit.

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

Sure! Use a mutex when you need to protect shared data from being accessed by multiple threads simultaneously, like updating a shared counter.

And when would I use a semaphore instead?

You would use a semaphore when you want to limit the number of threads that can access a resource, like controlling access to a pool of database connections.

Are there any performance differences between them?

Yes, mutexes can be faster for single-thread access, while semaphores can be more efficient for managing multiple threads, but it depends on the specific use case.