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

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

Race conditions occur when multiple threads access shared data simultaneously, leading to unpredictable results. To avoid them, you can use synchronization mechanisms like mutexes or locks.

Can you give me an example of a race condition in C++?

Sure! Imagine two threads incrementing a shared counter without synchronization. If both read the counter at the same time, they might both increment it, resulting in a lost update.

How can I implement a mutex in my C++ code?

You can use the std::mutex class from the <mutex> header. Wrap the critical section of your code with lock() and unlock() methods to ensure only one thread accesses it at a time.

Are there any other synchronization methods besides mutexes?

Yes, other methods include condition variables, semaphores, and atomic operations, each suitable for different scenarios.