What are some common synchronization techniques in computing?

What are some common synchronization techniques in computing?

Common synchronization techniques include mutexes, semaphores, monitors, and barriers. Each serves to manage access to shared resources.

Can you explain how mutexes work?

A mutex, or mutual exclusion, is a locking mechanism that ensures only one thread can access a resource at a time, preventing race conditions.

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 only allows one thread at a time.

When should I use a barrier?

Use a barrier when you need to synchronize multiple threads at a certain point in their execution, ensuring they all reach that point before proceeding.