
	mutex


	Home > Networking Definitions - Mutex

SearchNetworking.com Definitions (Powered by WhatIs.com)

EMAIL THIS

LOOK UP TECH TERMS		Powered by:

Browse tech terms alphabetically:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

mutex

- In computer programming, a mutex (mutual exclusion object) is a program object that is created so that multiple program thread can take turns sharing the same resource, such as access to a file. Typically, when a program is started, it creates a mutex for a given resource at the beginning by requesting it from the system and the system returns a unique name or ID for it. After that, any thread needing the resource must use the mutex to lock the resource from other threads while it is using the resource. If the mutex is already locked, a thread needing the resource is typically queued by the system and then given control when the mutex becomes unlocked (when once more, the mutex is locked during the new thread's use of the resource).

CONTRIBUTORS:	Peter Van Egmond
LAST UPDATED:	08 Jan 2000

Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know.
Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com

More resources from around the web:

-	Windows provides support for managing mutexes using the Perl language .

FILE EXTENSION AND FILE FORMAT LIST
File Extension and File Format List:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

Networking & mutex Solutions

SEARCH

TechTarget provides technology professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective purchase decisions and managing their organizations' technology projects - with its network of technology-specific websites, events and online magazines.


TechTarget Corporate Web Site \| Media Kits \| Site Map All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2000 - 2009, TechTarget \| Read our Privacy Policy