#Mutexes
A mutex (mutual exclusion) is a lock that allows only one thread to access a resource or critical section at a time, preventing race conditions.
#Key Functions
pthread_mutex_init(): Initializes a mutex.pthread_mutex_lock(): Lock a mutex. If the mutex is already locked, the calling thread is blocked until the mutex becomes available.pthread_mutex_unlock(): Unlock a mutex, potentially allowing other threds waiting for the mutex to proceed.pthread_mutex_destroy(): Destroy a mutex.
#Condition Variables
Condition variables allow threads to wait for certain conditions to occur within a program, avoiding busy waiting.
#Key Functions
pthread_cond_init(): Initialize a condition variable.pthread_cond_wait(): Block waiting for a condition to be signaled. This function is used in conjunction with a mutex to avoid a race condition.pthread_cond_signal(): Wake up one thread waiting for the condition variable.pthread_cond_broadcast(): Wake up all threads waiting for the condition variable.pthread_cond_destory(): Destroy a condition variable.
#Read/Write Locks
Read/Write locks allow multiple threads to read a shared resource concurrently but require exclusive access for writing.
#Key Functions
pthread_rwlock_init(): Initialize a read/write lock.pthread_rwlock_rdlock(): Obtain a read lock on a read/write lock.pthread_rwlock_wrlock(): Obtain a write lock on a read/write lock.pthread_rwlock_unlock(): Release either a read or write lock.pthread_rwlock_destroy(): Destroy a read/write lock.
#Semaphores
Semaphores are a lower-level synchronization mechanism that can be used for controlling access to shared resources. They are not part of pthreads, but are available in Unix/Linux systems via other libraries (POSIX semaphores).
sem_init(): Initialize an unnamed semaphore.sem_wait(): Decrease the semaphore value. If it’s zero, the calling thread is blocked.sem_post(): Increase the semaphore value, potentially waking up a waiting thread.sem_destroy(): Destroy the semaphore.
#Barriers
A barrier synchronizes a specific number of threads, making them all wait until each thread has reached the barrier point before any of them can proceed.
#Key Functions
pthread_barrier_init(): Initialize a barrier.pthread_barrier_wait(): Wait at a barrier until the specified number of threads have calledpthread_barrier_wait().pthread_barrier_destroy(): Destroy a barrier.
Pipes