What is the difference between unique_lock and lock_guard?

Can you explain the difference between unique_lock and lock_guard in C++?

Sure! Both unique_lock and lock_guard are used for managing mutexes in C++, but they have some key differences.

What are those key differences?

The main difference is that unique_lock is more flexible; it can be locked and unlocked multiple times, while lock_guard is simpler and automatically locks the mutex upon creation and unlocks it when it goes out of scope.

When should I use unique_lock instead of lock_guard?

You should use unique_lock when you need to lock and unlock the mutex multiple times or when you need to transfer ownership of the lock.

Are there any performance implications between the two?

Yes, lock_guard is generally more lightweight and faster since it has less overhead, while unique_lock offers more features at the cost of some performance.