What is std::async in C++14?

Can you explain what std::async is in C++14?

Sure! std::async is a function that allows you to run tasks asynchronously in C++14. It helps in executing functions in a separate thread.

How does it differ from std::thread?

Unlike std::thread, std::async manages the thread for you and returns a future, which you can use to get the result of the asynchronous operation.

What are the benefits of using std::async?

The main benefits include easier management of threads, automatic handling of thread lifetimes, and the ability to retrieve results using futures.

Can you give me a simple code example?

Certainly! Here's a simple example:

#include <iostream>
#include <future>

int main() {
    auto future = std::async(std::launch::async, []() { return 42; });
    std::cout << "Result: " << future.get() << std::endl;
}