C++14: Async vs Thread Pool

What are the main differences between async and thread pool in C++14?

In C++14, async allows you to run tasks asynchronously, returning a future. A thread pool, on the other hand, manages a collection of threads to execute tasks concurrently, improving resource management.

When should I use async instead of a thread pool?

Use async for tasks that are I/O bound or when you want to simplify code with futures. A thread pool is better for CPU-bound tasks where you want to limit the number of active threads.

Can you give an example of using async in C++14?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

#include <future>
#include <iostream>

int compute() {
    // Simulate a long computation
    return 42;
}

int main() {
    std::future<int> result = std::async(std::launch::async, compute);
    std::cout << "Result: " << result.get() << std::endl;
}

What are the performance implications of using async?

Using async can introduce overhead due to context switching and managing futures. It's best for tasks that benefit from non-blocking execution, but for high-performance needs, a thread pool might be more efficient.