Why Does My Optimized Multithreaded Program Stall, and How Can Atomic Variables Fix It?

Optimized Multithreading Program Stalled in Optimized Mode: Resolution through Atomic Variables

Consider the following multithreading program:

static bool finished = false;

int func() {
    size_t i = 0;
    while (!finished) { ++i; }
    return i;
}

int main() {
    auto result = std::async(std::launch::async, func);
    std::this_thread::sleep_for(std::chrono::seconds(1));
    finished = true;
    std::cout 

This program operates as expected in debug mode or with the -O0 optimization flag. However, when executed in release mode or with optimization flags -O1, -O2, or -O3, it encounters an issue and fails to provide any output.

Cause and Resolution

The source of the problem lies in the simultaneous access to the non-atomic and unguarded variable finished by multiple threads. This variable does not guarantee atomicity, leading to undefined behavior. To rectify this, finished should be defined as an std::atomic:

static std::atomic<bool> finished = false;</bool>

This resolves the issue and allows the program to run successfully in optimized mode, displaying the desired output:

result = 1023045342
main thread>

Significance of std::atomic

Atomic variables, such as std::atomic, ensure simultaneous access to and modification of shared data in a well-defined and thread-safe manner. They prohibit unexpected behaviors like tearing, and safeguard against compiler optimizations that may unintentionally alter the correct program flow.

Additional Considerations

While using atomic variables significantly improves concurrency safety, it's essential to be aware that optimizations can have far-reaching consequences. For instance, compilers might optimize unprotected variables into registers or eliminate redundant accesses to improve performance. To prevent unintended optimizations, proper variable safeguarding and explicit instructions to the compiler are crucial.

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