What are pthread mutexes and how do they work?

What are pthread mutexes and how do they work?

Pthread mutexes are synchronization primitives used in multithreading to protect shared data from concurrent access.

Can you explain how to initialize a pthread mutex?

To initialize a pthread mutex, you can use the pthread_mutex_init function, specifying attributes if needed.

What happens if a mutex is not properly unlocked?

If a mutex is not properly unlocked, it can lead to deadlocks, where threads are waiting indefinitely for the mutex.

Are there different types of mutexes?

Yes, there are different types of mutexes, such as recursive mutexes and error-checking mutexes, each serving specific purposes.