What is the performance of std::atomic in C++?

What is the performance of std::atomic in C++?

The performance of std::atomic can vary based on the operation and the underlying hardware. Generally, atomic operations are designed to be efficient, but they can introduce overhead compared to non-atomic operations due to memory barriers and locking mechanisms.

How does std::atomic compare to mutexes?

std::atomic is typically faster than mutexes for simple operations because it avoids the overhead of locking. However, mutexes are more suitable for complex data structures or when multiple operations need to be performed atomically.

Are there any benchmarks available for std::atomic?

Yes, there are several benchmarks available that compare the performance of std::atomic with other synchronization mechanisms. These benchmarks often show that std::atomic performs well for simple operations but may vary based on the specific use case.

What are the limitations of using std::atomic?

The main limitations of std::atomic include its inability to handle complex data structures atomically and potential performance issues in highly contended scenarios where many threads are trying to access the same atomic variable.

Can std::atomic be used in real-time systems?

Yes, std::atomic can be used in real-time systems, but careful consideration is needed regarding the performance and timing guarantees of atomic operations on the specific hardware.