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 mutexes when you need to protect shared data from being accessed by multiple threads simultaneously. Use semaphores when you want to control access to a pool of resources, like limiting the number of connections to a database.

Are there any performance considerations I should be aware of?

Yes, mutexes can lead to contention if many threads are trying to acquire the same lock, which can slow down performance. Semaphores can be more efficient in scenarios where you need to manage multiple resources, but they can also introduce complexity if not managed properly.

Which one is easier to implement?

Mutexes are generally simpler to implement since they only allow one thread at a time. Semaphores require more careful management of the count and can be more complex to implement correctly.