What is the difference between semaphore and mutex in C?

What is the difference between semaphore and mutex in C?

A semaphore is a signaling mechanism that can allow multiple threads to access a resource, while a mutex is a locking mechanism that allows only one thread to access a resource at a time.

Can you give an example of when to use a semaphore?

Sure! Use a semaphore when you want to limit the number of threads accessing a resource, like a pool of database connections.

What about mutex? When should I use it?

Use a mutex when you need to ensure that only one thread can access a critical section of code at a time to prevent data corruption.

Are there any performance differences between them?

Yes, mutexes can be faster for single-thread access, while semaphores can be more efficient for managing multiple threads.