Locks
The semantics of a ``lock'' allow the resource to be used by only
one thread at a time.
The Threads Library supports several types of locks:
-
mutual exclusion locks (``mutexes'')
-
spin locks
-
recursive mutual exclusion locks (``rmutexes'')
-
reader-writer locks (these allow non-exclusive access for readers)
A thread that successfully locks a resource is said
to ``hold the lock'' or
to ``have acquired the lock''.
Unlocking is also known as
``releasing the lock''.
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Mutual exclusion locks
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Synchronizing threads
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UnixWare 7 Release 7.1.4 - 27 April 2004