Mutex
/ˈmjuːtɛks/mu·texnoun
Definition
1.[in programming] a synchronization primitive used to ensure that only one thread can access a shared resource at any given time.
We must wrap the database write operation in a mutex to prevent race conditions.
Formal statement
Etymology
Coined by operating system developers, derived from the Latin 'mutus' meaning silent or mute, referring to the exclusive access it enforces.
Synonyms
- locksense 1 · Absolute
References
- Operating Systems Textbook, Chapter 3.Academic Press.