What are data races in C++ and how can I avoid them?

What are data races in C++ and how can I avoid them?

Data races occur when two or more threads access shared data simultaneously, and at least one of the accesses is a write. To avoid them, you can use synchronization mechanisms like mutexes or locks.

Can you explain how mutexes work?

Mutexes, or mutual exclusions, are used to protect shared resources. When a thread locks a mutex, other threads trying to lock it will be blocked until it is unlocked.

What are some common mistakes that lead to data races?

Common mistakes include forgetting to lock shared resources, using global variables without protection, and improper thread management.

How can I detect data races in my C++ code?

You can use tools like ThreadSanitizer or Valgrind to detect data races in your C++ code during testing.