What are the performance differences between mutexes and spinlocks?

What are the performance differences between mutexes and spinlocks?

Mutexes and spinlocks are both synchronization primitives, but they perform differently under various conditions. Mutexes are generally more efficient for longer wait times because they put the thread to sleep, while spinlocks are better for short wait times as they keep the thread active and busy-waiting.

In what scenarios would you prefer one over the other?

You'd prefer mutexes in scenarios where contention is high and threads may be blocked for a longer time. Spinlocks are preferable in low-contention scenarios where the wait time is expected to be very short.

Are there any downsides to using spinlocks?

Yes, spinlocks can lead to wasted CPU cycles if the wait time is longer than expected, as they keep the CPU busy while waiting. This can degrade performance in multi-core systems.

How do I choose the right synchronization primitive for my application?

Consider factors like expected contention, wait times, and the overhead of context switching. Profiling your application can also help determine the best choice.