Async in C++ vs Threading

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

Async programming in C++ allows for non-blocking operations, while threading involves multiple threads running concurrently. Async is generally easier to manage and can lead to better resource utilization.

Can you give me an example of when to use async instead of threading?

Sure! Use async when you have I/O-bound tasks, like reading files or making network requests, where you want to avoid blocking the main thread. Threading is better for CPU-bound tasks that require parallel processing.

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

Common pitfalls include not handling exceptions properly, potential memory leaks, and difficulty in debugging due to the non-linear flow of execution.

How does the performance of async compare to threading?

Async can be more efficient for I/O-bound tasks, as it reduces context switching overhead. However, for CPU-bound tasks, threading might provide better performance due to true parallelism.