A MUTEX is a computer program object that allows multiple threads to use a single resource by toggling access back and forth. It is created when the program is opened and assigns a unique name to identify the process. Threads requesting resource usage are queued until the first thread finishes active usage.
A mutual exclusion object, or MUTEX, is an object created for use in computer programs. The essential function of MUTEX is to allow a multiple program thread to use a single resource. Typically, the functionality of mutual exclusion objects is to allow for this use of a single resource by creating an environment where access to the resource is continually passed back and forth between various aspects of the program.
The process of activating and creating a MUTEX occurs when the computer program application is opened. In essence, the program will create the MUTEX and relate it to a specific resource needed for the open program to run efficiently. When the resources are retrieved, the operating system will assign a unique name to the MUTEX and use it to identify the process as long as the program remains open.
Once the MUTEX is activated and named for the session, any other program thread requesting this resource can have access, even if the resource is already in active use by another thread. Indicating the need for the resource, the MUTEX function will start toggling resource access back and forth between threads. For the end user, this process is transparent. For all practical purposes, it looks like two users or two threads are making us of the same resource at the same time.
While the transfer rate of the access is so fast that it’s not even noticeable to the end user, it should be noted that whenever a resource is in use, it’s effectively blocked on a thread in the sequence. Another thread requesting resource usage will issue a request which will go to the queue and remain there until the first thread finishes active usage. At that point, the resource is unlocked and the MUTEX function allows active access to the next thread in the queue. If a third thread is active and needs the resource, MUTEX also lines up this thread in the queue and grants rotating access.
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