What are std::atomic variables in multithreading?

What are std::atomic variables in multithreading?

std::atomic variables are used in C++ to ensure safe access to shared data in multithreaded environments.

How do they help prevent data races?

They provide atomic operations, which means that read and write operations are completed without interruption, preventing inconsistencies.

Can you give an example of using std::atomic?

Sure! Here's a simple example: std::atomic<int> counter(0); allows multiple threads to increment the counter safely.

Are there any performance considerations?

Yes, while std::atomic provides safety, it can introduce overhead compared to non-atomic operations, so use it judiciously.