What are alternatives to mutex in C++?

What are some alternatives to using mutexes in C++ for thread synchronization?

There are several alternatives to mutexes in C++, including condition variables, atomic operations, and read-write locks. Each has its own use cases and benefits.

Can you explain how condition variables work?

Condition variables allow threads to wait for certain conditions to be true before continuing execution. They are used in conjunction with a mutex to protect shared data.

What about atomic operations? How do they compare to mutexes?

Atomic operations provide a way to perform operations on shared data without the need for locks, making them faster and reducing the risk of deadlocks. However, they are limited to simple operations.

When should I use read-write locks instead of mutexes?

Read-write locks are beneficial when you have multiple threads reading shared data and fewer threads writing. They allow concurrent reads while ensuring exclusive access for writes.