What are the differences between std::atomic and locks in C++?

What are the differences between std::atomic and locks in C++?

std::atomic provides lock-free thread-safe operations, while locks (like std::mutex) provide mutual exclusion but can lead to contention.

When should I use std::atomic instead of locks?

Use std::atomic for simple data types and operations where performance is critical, and locks for complex data structures.

Are there any downsides to using std::atomic?

Yes, std::atomic can be more complex to implement correctly and may not support all operations that locks do.

Can you give an example of when to use locks?

Use locks when you need to protect access to a shared resource that involves multiple operations, like updating a data structure.

What about performance differences between the two?

std::atomic generally offers better performance for simple operations, while locks can introduce overhead due to context switching.