When should I use lock_guard instead of unique_lock?

When should I use lock_guard instead of unique_lock?

You should use lock_guard when you need a simple, scoped lock without needing to unlock manually. It's lightweight.

What about unique_lock? When is it more appropriate?

unique_lock is more flexible; use it when you need to lock and unlock multiple times or need to transfer ownership.

Can you give me an example of when to use each?

Sure! Use lock_guard for simple critical sections, and unique_lock for condition variables or when you need deferred locking.

Are there performance differences between the two?

Yes, lock_guard is generally faster due to its simplicity, while unique_lock has overhead due to its additional features.