What are the differences between spinlocks and mutexes in C++?

What are the differences between spinlocks and mutexes in C++?

Spinlocks and mutexes are both synchronization primitives used in C++. Spinlocks are lightweight and busy-wait, while mutexes can block threads.

When should I use a spinlock instead of a mutex?

Use spinlocks when you expect the wait time to be very short, as they avoid the overhead of context switching.

Are there any downsides to using spinlocks?

Yes, spinlocks can lead to CPU resource wastage if the wait time is long, as they keep the CPU busy.

Can you give an example of using a spinlock in C++?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

#include <atomic>
#include <thread>

std::atomic_flag lock = ATOMIC_FLAG_INIT;

void spinlock_example() {
    while (lock.test_and_set(std::memory_order_acquire)); // spin
    // critical section
    lock.clear(std::memory_order_release);
}