How do I safely terminate threads in the pthreads library?

How do I safely terminate threads in the pthreads library?

To safely terminate threads in the pthreads library, you should use the pthread_cancel function. This function sends a cancellation request to the specified thread.

What happens if a thread is in a blocking state when I call pthread_cancel?

If a thread is in a blocking state, it will not be terminated immediately. Instead, it will be canceled when it reaches a cancellation point, such as when it calls certain functions like pthread_testcancel.

Are there any best practices for using pthread_cancel?

Yes, it's best to ensure that threads can be canceled safely by using cancellation points and to avoid resource leaks by properly managing resources before cancellation.

Can I use pthread_exit instead of pthread_cancel?

Yes, pthread_exit can be used to terminate a thread cleanly. It allows the thread to finish its execution and clean up resources.