How does the performance of std::atomic compare to other synchronization methods?

How does the performance of std::atomic compare to other synchronization methods?

The performance of std::atomic is generally better than mutexes for low-contention scenarios, but it can vary based on the operation.

What are some scenarios where std::atomic is preferred?

std::atomic is preferred in scenarios with high-frequency updates and low contention, like counters or flags.

Are there any downsides to using std::atomic?

Yes, std::atomic can lead to more complex code and may not be as efficient in high-contention situations compared to mutexes.

Can you give an example of std::atomic in use?

Sure! A common example is using std::atomic<int> for a thread-safe counter that multiple threads can increment.