What is the difference between mutexes and semaphores in C++?

What is the difference between mutexes and semaphores in C++?

Mutexes and semaphores are both synchronization primitives used in C++ to manage access to shared resources. A mutex 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 specified limit.

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

Sure! Use a mutex when you need exclusive access to a resource, like updating a shared variable. Use a semaphore when you want to limit access to a resource, like a pool of connections.

Are there any performance differences between using mutexes and semaphores?

Yes, mutexes can be faster for exclusive access since they have less overhead. Semaphores can introduce more complexity and overhead due to their counting mechanism.

What are some common pitfalls when using these synchronization tools?

Common pitfalls include deadlocks, where two threads wait on each other indefinitely, and priority inversion, where lower-priority threads hold resources needed by higher-priority threads.