What are the best practices for using conditional variables in C++?

What are the best practices for using conditional variables in C++?

When using conditional variables in C++, it's important to ensure proper locking and unlocking of mutexes. Always use a loop to check the condition after waking up, as spurious wakeups can occur.

Can you explain what a spurious wakeup is?

A spurious wakeup is when a thread is awakened from a wait state without a notification from another thread. This can happen due to various reasons, so it's crucial to always check the condition in a loop.

What should I do if I have multiple conditions to wait for?

If you have multiple conditions, consider using a separate conditional variable for each condition or use a single conditional variable with a more complex condition check in your loop.

Are there any performance considerations I should be aware of?

Yes, excessive use of conditional variables can lead to performance bottlenecks. It's essential to minimize the time spent holding locks and to avoid unnecessary context switches.