What are the differences between mutexes and semaphores?

What are the differences between mutexes and semaphores?

Mutexes and semaphores are both synchronization primitives used in concurrent programming, but they serve different purposes. A mutex is used to ensure that only one thread can access a resource at a time, while a semaphore can allow multiple threads to access a resource up to a certain limit.

Can you give me some use cases for each?

Sure! Use cases for mutexes include protecting shared data structures in multi-threaded applications. Semaphores are often used in scenarios like controlling access to a pool of resources, such as database connections.

When should I use a mutex over a semaphore?

You should use a mutex when you need exclusive access to a resource, ensuring that only one thread can modify it at a time. Use a semaphore when you want to limit the number of threads that can access a resource simultaneously.

Are there any performance considerations I should be aware of?

Yes, mutexes can lead to contention if many threads are trying to acquire the lock simultaneously, which can degrade performance. Semaphores can be more efficient in scenarios where you want to allow a certain number of threads to access a resource concurrently.