Answer
Mutex allows exclusive access to a resource; Semaphore limits concurrent access.
Both prevent race conditions but may cause contention when misused.
Quick Answer
Mutex allows only one thread (or process) at a time to access a resource — useful for cross-process locking. Semaphore limits concurrent access to N threads at once — useful for rate-limiting or connection pools. Both block waiting threads; overusing them causes contention and performance issues.
S
SugharaIQ Editorial Team
Verified Answer
This answer has been peer-reviewed by industry experts holding senior engineering roles to ensure technical accuracy and relevance for modern interview standards.
Want to bookmark, take notes, or join discussions?
Sign in to access all features and personalize your learning experience.
Source: SugharaIQ