PCPP2 Interprocess Communication Practice Question
Two threads are modifying a shared global integer. You want to ensure that only one thread modifies the integer at a time. Which synchronization primitive is most appropriate?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
threading.Lock
A Lock (or Mutex) is the standard tool to ensure mutually exclusive access to a shared resource.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
threading.Lock
Why this is correct
A Lock provides the necessary mutual exclusion for threads.
- ✗
threading.Event
Why it's wrong here
Events are for signaling between threads, not for mutual exclusion.
- ✗
multiprocessing.Semaphore
Why it's wrong here
Semaphores allow a fixed number of concurrent accesses, not exclusive access.
- ✗
multiprocessing.Queue
Why it's wrong here
Queues are for communication, not for locking shared memory variables.
- ✗
threading.Condition
Why it's wrong here
Condition is for waiting on specific states, though it uses a lock internally, Lock is more direct.
About these practice questions
This PCPP2 question is part of Courseiva's 194-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Python Institute exam blueprint
This PCPP2 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Python Institute certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PCPP2 exam.