C++: Try-Catch vs Error Codes

What is the difference between using try-catch blocks and error codes in C++?

In C++, try-catch blocks are used for exception handling, allowing you to manage errors more gracefully. Error codes, on the other hand, are returned by functions to indicate success or failure, requiring manual checks.

When should I use try-catch instead of error codes?

Use try-catch when dealing with exceptional situations that are not part of the normal flow, like memory allocation failures. Error codes are better for predictable errors.

Can you give an example of each approach?

Sure! For try-catch, you might have a function that throws an exception if it fails. For error codes, a function could return -1 to indicate an error, and you would check that after calling the function.

Which method is more efficient?

Error codes are generally more efficient since they avoid the overhead of exception handling. However, try-catch can lead to cleaner and more maintainable code.