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

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

Deadlocks occur when two or more threads are blocked forever, each waiting for the other to release a resource. To avoid them, you can use techniques like resource ordering, timeouts, or deadlock detection algorithms.

Can you give me an example of a deadlock situation in C++?

Sure! Imagine two threads: Thread A locks Resource 1 and then tries to lock Resource 2, while Thread B locks Resource 2 and then tries to lock Resource 1. This creates a deadlock.

How can I implement a timeout to prevent deadlocks?

You can use condition variables or try-lock mechanisms that allow a thread to attempt to acquire a lock without blocking indefinitely. If it fails to acquire the lock within a specified time, it can take alternative actions.

Are there any libraries in C++ that help manage deadlocks?

Yes, libraries like Boost and C++11's standard threading library provide features like mutexes and condition variables that can help manage resources and avoid deadlocks.