What are mutexes and condition variables in programming?

What are mutexes and condition variables in programming?

Mutexes (mutual exclusions) are used to prevent multiple threads from accessing shared resources simultaneously. Condition variables allow threads to wait for certain conditions to be met before continuing execution.

Can you explain how they work together?

Sure! Mutexes lock a resource, while condition variables enable threads to wait for a signal that it's safe to proceed, ensuring proper synchronization.

What happens if a thread forgets to unlock a mutex?

If a thread forgets to unlock a mutex, it can lead to a deadlock situation where other threads are unable to access the locked resource, causing the program to hang.

Are there any best practices for using them?

Yes, always ensure that every lock has a corresponding unlock, avoid holding locks during long operations, and prefer using RAII (Resource Acquisition Is Initialization) patterns to manage locks.