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

What is std::unique_lock in C++?

std::unique_lock is a smart pointer that manages a mutex, providing a way to lock and unlock it automatically.

When should I use std::unique_lock instead of std::lock_guard?

Use std::unique_lock when you need more flexibility, like deferred locking or condition variables.

Can you give me an example of using std::unique_lock?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

std::mutex mtx;
std::unique_lock<std::mutex> lock(mtx);
// critical section
lock.unlock(); // optional, as it will unlock automatically when going out of scope

Are there any performance considerations with std::unique_lock?

Yes, std::unique_lock has a slight overhead compared to std::lock_guard due to its additional features, but it's often worth it for flexibility.