What are some standard synchronization techniques in programming?

What are some standard synchronization techniques in programming?

Standard synchronization techniques include mutexes, semaphores, monitors, and condition variables. Each has its use cases.

Can you explain how mutexes work?

Mutexes, or mutual exclusions, are used to prevent multiple threads from accessing a shared resource simultaneously, ensuring data integrity.

What is the difference between a semaphore and a mutex?

A semaphore allows multiple threads to access a resource up to a limit, while a mutex allows only one thread at a time.

When should I use condition variables?

Condition variables are used for signaling between threads, allowing one thread to wait for a condition to be met before proceeding.

Are there any best practices for using these techniques?

Yes, always minimize the time spent holding locks, avoid deadlocks by establishing a lock hierarchy, and prefer higher-level abstractions when possible.