When should I use std::atomic in C++?

When should I use std::atomic in C++?

You should use std::atomic when you need to perform atomic operations on shared variables in a multithreaded environment.

Can you give me an example of where std::atomic is beneficial?

Sure! If multiple threads are incrementing a shared counter, using std::atomic ensures that the increments are safe and consistent.

What happens if I don't use std::atomic in that case?

Without std::atomic, you might encounter race conditions, leading to incorrect results or crashes.

Are there performance implications of using std::atomic?

Yes, while std::atomic provides safety, it can introduce some overhead compared to non-atomic operations, so use it judiciously.