When should I use a mutex in C++?

When should I use a mutex in C++?

You should use a mutex in C++ when you need to protect shared resources from concurrent access by multiple threads.

Can you give me an example of a situation where a mutex is necessary?

Sure! If you have a shared variable that multiple threads are updating, using a mutex ensures that only one thread can modify it at a time.

What happens if I don't use a mutex in that case?

Without a mutex, you may encounter race conditions, leading to unpredictable behavior and data corruption.

Are there alternatives to using a mutex?

Yes, alternatives include using atomic operations or higher-level constructs like std::lock_guard for easier management.