What is synchronization in thread-safe programming?

What is synchronization in thread-safe programming?

Synchronization in thread-safe programming is a technique used to control access to shared resources by multiple threads, ensuring that only one thread can access a resource at a time to prevent data corruption.

Why is synchronization important?

Synchronization is crucial because it prevents race conditions, where two or more threads attempt to modify shared data simultaneously, leading to unpredictable results.

What are some common synchronization techniques?

Common synchronization techniques include mutexes, semaphores, and monitors, each providing different levels of control over thread access.

Can you explain how a mutex works?

A mutex, or mutual exclusion, is a locking mechanism that allows only one thread to access a resource at a time. When a thread locks a mutex, other threads attempting to lock it will be blocked until the mutex is unlocked.