When should I use a mutex or a semaphore?

When should I use a mutex or a semaphore in my code?

You should use a mutex when you need to ensure that only one thread can access a resource at a time. Semaphores are useful when you want to control access to a resource that can be used by multiple threads, but with a limit.

Can you give me an example of when to use a semaphore?

Sure! If you have a pool of database connections, you can use a semaphore to limit the number of connections that can be opened simultaneously.

What about mutexes? Can you explain that with an example?

Absolutely! If you have a shared variable that multiple threads are updating, using a mutex will ensure that only one thread can modify the variable at a time, preventing data corruption.

Are there any performance considerations I should be aware of?

Yes, mutexes can lead to contention if many threads are trying to access the same resource, which can slow down your application. Semaphores can be more efficient in certain scenarios, but they also require careful management to avoid deadlocks.