What are some examples of asynchronous programming in C++?

What are some examples of asynchronous programming in C++?

Asynchronous programming in C++ can be achieved using features like futures, promises, and async functions. For example, you can use std::async to run a function asynchronously.

Can you show me a code snippet using std::async?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

#include <iostream>
#include <future>
#include <chrono>

int asyncTask() {
    std::this_thread::sleep_for(std::chrono::seconds(2));
    return 42;
}

int main() {
    std::future<int> result = std::async(std::launch::async, asyncTask);
    std::cout << "Waiting for result..." << std::endl;
    std::cout << "Result: " << result.get() << std::endl;
    return 0;
}

What does std::launch::async do in this context?

std::launch::async ensures that the task is run on a new thread, allowing it to execute concurrently with the main thread.

Are there any drawbacks to using asynchronous programming?

Yes, some drawbacks include increased complexity, potential for race conditions, and difficulty in debugging asynchronous code.