Async C++ vs Multithreading

What are the main differences between async programming in C++ and traditional multithreading?

Async programming in C++ allows for non-blocking operations, while multithreading involves multiple threads running concurrently. Async is often more efficient for I/O-bound tasks, whereas multithreading can be better for CPU-bound tasks.

Can you give me an example of when to use async over multithreading?

Sure! If you're developing a web server that handles many requests, using async can help manage I/O operations without blocking, making it more scalable. In contrast, if you're performing heavy computations, multithreading might be more suitable.

What are some common pitfalls of using async in C++?

Common pitfalls include callback hell, difficulty in error handling, and potential race conditions if shared resources are not managed properly.

Is async programming in C++ more complex than multithreading?

It can be, especially with managing state and callbacks. However, it often leads to cleaner and more maintainable code for I/O-bound applications.