What are the differences between async functions and callbacks?

What are the differences between async functions and callbacks?

Async functions and callbacks are both used for handling asynchronous operations in JavaScript. Callbacks are functions passed as arguments to other functions, while async functions allow you to write asynchronous code that looks synchronous, using the await keyword.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! A callback example would be using setTimeout:

setTimeout(() => {
  console.log('This is a callback!');
}, 1000);

An async function example:

async function fetchData() {
  const response = await fetch('https://api.example.com/data');
  const data = await response.json();
  console.log(data);
}

What are the advantages of using async functions over callbacks?

Async functions provide better readability and maintainability. They avoid callback hell, making the code easier to follow and debug.

Are there any downsides to using async functions?

One downside is that async functions can introduce performance overhead due to the promise handling. Additionally, error handling can be more complex if not managed properly.