C++ Function Pointers vs Lambda Expressions

What are the main differences between function pointers and lambda expressions in C++?

Function pointers are variables that hold the address of a function, while lambda expressions are anonymous functions that can capture variables from their surrounding scope.

Can you give me an example of when to use a lambda expression instead of a function pointer?

Sure! Use a lambda when you need to pass a function that captures local variables, like in STL algorithms. For example, std::sort can take a lambda to define custom sorting.

Are there any performance differences between the two?

Generally, lambda expressions can be optimized better by the compiler, especially when capturing variables, but the difference is often negligible for most use cases.

Can lambda expressions replace function pointers entirely?

Not entirely. Function pointers are still useful for certain scenarios, like callback functions in C APIs, but lambdas offer more flexibility and readability.