Which Thread Creation Function Should I Use: _beginthread, _beginthreadex, or CreateThread?

Comparing Thread Creation Functions: _beginthread, _beginthreadex, and CreateThread

When creating threads in Windows, developers often consider three primary options: _beginthread, _beginthreadex, and CreateThread. Each function offers different advantages and considerations to keep in mind.

_beginthread vs. _beginthreadex

_beginthread and _beginthreadex are both C runtime library calls that ultimately invoke CreateThread under the hood. However, _beginthreadex provides an additional advantage: it initializes the C runtime environment within the newly created thread.

In C applications, it's generally recommended to use _beginthreadex instead of _beginthread because it ensures that the C runtime library is properly initialized in the new thread. This ensures that standard C library functions and variables are accessible and consistent within the thread.

CreateThread vs. _beginthread/_beginthreadex

CreateThread is the raw Win32 API call for thread creation at the kernel level. It provides a more direct and low-level interface compared to _beginthread and _beginthreadex. While CreateThread allows finer control over thread parameters, it requires manual initialization of the C runtime environment in the new thread.

In most scenarios, _beginthreadex offers the best combination of portability and functionality. It encapsulates the power of CreateThread while handling the necessary C runtime library initialization. Unless there's a specific requirement for additional control or avoidance of the C runtime library, _beginthreadex should be the default choice for thread creation in C Windows applications.

Additional Considerations

• Error Handling: CreateThread provides access to the GetLastError function for error reporting, which can be beneficial for debugging purposes.
• WaitForSingleObject Support: _beginthread() does not support the WaitForSingleObject function. However, if _endthread() is called in the thread, it will allow for synchronization with the thread's completion using WaitForSingleObject.

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