C/C++ Memory Models

C/C++ memory models define how operations on shared memory behave in concurrent programs, ensuring predictability across different hardware and compiler optimizations. They specify rules for how threads interact with memory—like reading and writing data—ensuring consistency and correctness when multiple threads run simultaneously. These models clarify which actions are visible to other threads and when, preventing unexpected results caused by reordering or caching. In essence, they provide a structured framework to reason about complex interactions in multi-threaded applications, balancing performance with reliable, predictable behavior.