What are the differences between stdatomic and other atomic libraries?

What are the differences between stdatomic and other atomic libraries?

The stdatomic library is part of the C11 standard and provides a set of atomic operations. It ensures that operations on shared variables are atomic, meaning they are completed without interruption. Other atomic libraries, like those in C++ or platform-specific libraries, may offer different features or performance optimizations.

Can you explain how stdatomic ensures memory consistency?

Stdatomic uses memory order semantics to ensure consistency. It allows you to specify how operations on atomic variables interact with memory operations, providing options like memory_order_relaxed, memory_order_acquire, and memory_order_release to control visibility and ordering.

Are there performance differences between stdatomic and other libraries?

Yes, performance can vary. Stdatomic is designed for portability and may not be as optimized for specific hardware as other libraries. However, it provides a good balance between performance and ease of use across different platforms.

When should I use stdatomic over other atomic libraries?

Use stdatomic when you need portability and compliance with the C11 standard. If you're targeting specific hardware or need advanced features, other libraries might be more suitable.