What are mutexes and how do they work?

What are mutexes and how do they work?

Mutexes, or mutual exclusions, are synchronization primitives used to prevent concurrent access to shared resources in programming.

Can you explain how to implement a mutex in C++?

Sure! In C++, you can use the std::mutex class from the <mutex> header. You create an instance of std::mutex and use lock() and unlock() methods to control access.

What happens if a mutex is not released?

If a mutex is not released, it can lead to a deadlock situation where other threads are unable to proceed, causing the program to hang.

Are there alternatives to mutexes for synchronization?

Yes, alternatives include semaphores, condition variables, and read-write locks, each with its own use cases and benefits.