What are the differences between async iterators and async generators?

What are the differences between async iterators and async generators?

Async iterators are objects that implement the async iterable protocol, allowing you to iterate over asynchronous data. Async generators, on the other hand, are a specific type of async iterator that can yield multiple values over time using the async function* syntax.

Can you give me an example of how to use an async generator?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

async function* asyncGenerator() {
    for (let i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
        await new Promise(resolve => setTimeout(resolve, 1000)); // Simulate async operation
        yield i;
    }
}

(async () => {
    for await (const value of asyncGenerator()) {
        console.log(value);
    }
})();

How do async iterators work in practice?

Async iterators work by providing a next() method that returns a promise. When you call next(), it resolves to an object containing the value and a done flag, indicating if the iteration is complete.

Are there any performance differences between the two?

Generally, async generators can be more convenient and readable for producing sequences of asynchronous values, but performance differences depend on the specific use case and implementation.