As part of a multi-threaded code that I am designing, I am using mutexes to control access to a shared data segments in the code. I have no problems initalising and manipulating the mutexes to control access, however terminating the mutex itself is proving to be a bit difficult.

I am terminating the mutex in the following way

Code:

/* If critical section is being accessed, 
get current thread to leave it*/

if(lock_flag == 1)
  pthread_mutex_unlock( &cs_mutex);

if( (ret = pthread_mutex_destroy(&cs_mutex)) != 0)
{
    printf("\nError occurred in terminating mutex");
    exit(1);
}

Is this an appropriate way of terminating the mutex ? If not could someone please advise a much better strategy ?

cheers