What are data races in Rust and how can I avoid them?

What are data races in Rust and how can I avoid them?

Data races occur when two or more threads access shared data simultaneously, and at least one thread modifies it. In Rust, you can avoid data races by using ownership, borrowing, and the type system to ensure safe access to shared data.

Can you give me an example of a data race in Rust?

Sure! Here's a simple example: if two threads try to increment a shared variable without proper synchronization, it can lead to a data race. Using Mutex or RwLock can help manage access.

What tools does Rust provide to help prevent data races?

Rust provides several tools like ownership rules, borrowing, and synchronization primitives like Mutex, RwLock, and atomic types to prevent data races.

Are there any common pitfalls to watch out for?

Yes, common pitfalls include using shared mutable state without synchronization, and misunderstanding Rust's borrowing rules, which can lead to compile-time errors.