If I have a multi-threaded program that reads a cache-type memory by reference. Can I change this pointer by the main thread without risking any of the other threads reading unexpected values.
As I see it, if the change is atomic the other threads will either read the older value or the newer value; never random memory (or null pointers), right?
I am aware that I should probably use synchronisation methods anyway, but I'm still curious.
Are pointer changes atomic?
Update: My platform is 64-bit Linux (2.6.29), although I'd like a cross-platform answer as well :)
