What are read-write locks in C++ and how do they work?

What are read-write locks in C++ and how do they work?

Read-write locks are synchronization primitives that allow concurrent access for reading and exclusive access for writing. They enable multiple threads to read shared data simultaneously while ensuring that only one thread can write at a time.

Can you explain the difference between a read lock and a write lock?

Sure! A read lock allows multiple threads to read the data concurrently, while a write lock ensures that only one thread can write to the data, blocking all other read and write operations until the write is complete.

When should I use read-write locks instead of regular mutexes?

Use read-write locks when you have a scenario with many read operations and few write operations. They improve performance by allowing concurrent reads, which can be more efficient than using a regular mutex.

Are there any potential drawbacks to using read-write locks?

Yes, potential drawbacks include increased complexity and the possibility of writer starvation, where write operations may be delayed if there are always active readers.