What are mutexes in C++ and how do they work?

What are mutexes in C++ and how do they work?

Mutexes, or mutual exclusions, are synchronization primitives used to prevent multiple threads from accessing shared resources simultaneously.

Can you explain how to implement a mutex in C++?

Sure! You can use the <mutex> header and create a std::mutex object. Then, use lock() to acquire the mutex and unlock() to release it.

What happens if a thread tries to lock a mutex that is already locked?

If a thread tries to lock a mutex that is already locked, it will block until the mutex becomes available.

Are there any alternatives to mutexes for thread synchronization?

Yes, alternatives include condition variables, semaphores, and read-write locks, each with its own use cases.