What are the differences between async functions and web workers?

What are the differences between async functions and web workers?

Async functions are a way to handle asynchronous operations in JavaScript, allowing you to write cleaner, more readable code. Web workers, on the other hand, are used to run scripts in background threads, enabling parallel processing without blocking the main thread.

Can you give me an example of when to use each?

Sure! Use async functions for tasks like fetching data from an API where you want to wait for the response. Use web workers for heavy computations, like image processing, to keep the UI responsive.

Are there any performance considerations I should be aware of?

Yes, async functions are generally lighter and easier to implement, but they run on the main thread. Web workers can handle more intensive tasks without freezing the UI, but they come with overhead for communication between the main thread and the worker.

What about error handling in both cases?

In async functions, you can use try-catch blocks for error handling. For web workers, you need to handle errors in the worker itself and communicate them back to the main thread.