When should I use a mutex instead of a rwmutex?

When should I use a mutex instead of a rwmutex?

You should use a mutex when you need exclusive access to a resource, while a rwmutex is better for scenarios with multiple readers.

Can you explain the difference in performance between the two?

Certainly! A mutex can be faster for exclusive access, while a rwmutex allows multiple readers, improving performance in read-heavy scenarios.

Are there any downsides to using rwmutex?

Yes, rwmutex can introduce complexity and potential for writer starvation if there are many readers, which can affect performance.

In what situations would a rwmutex be preferred?

A rwmutex is preferred in situations where you have many read operations and fewer write operations, like in caching.