Re: [Boost-users] Boost.Threads, Boost.Interprocess, mutex

From: Ion Gaztañaga (igaztanaga_at_[hidden])
Date: 2008-04-30 15:52:40

Axel wrote:
> Hello,
> 
> In a single process but multithreaded software, should I use 
> Boost.Threads synchronization mechanisms or can I use Boost.Interprocess 
> synchronization mechanisms without counterparts and without seeing any 
> difference ? ( in particular boost::interprocess::interprocess_semaphore 
> class )

In theory, you could use Boost.Interprocess, but those are prepared for 
shared memory and not optimized for a single process inter-thread 
synchronization. I would recommend using Boost.Thread.

> When using interprocess_mutex, my programm threw a lock_exception. I 
> changed to boost::mutex and didn't managed to reproduce it. So, could 
> this be related or the lock_exception has same chances to happen with 
> boost::mutex ?

I don't know, you could use catch that exception and print what it says.

> I'm using semaphore to synchronize threads, so is it reliable in a 
> single process multithreaded software ?

It should be, but I think a more efficient semaphore could be built for 
Boost.Thread. I know some consider semaphores risky, but for many tasks 
(like drivers, or signals) it's the only mechanism allowed by the OS to 
notify events to other threads.

Regards,

Ion