What is the C++ Standard Library's async function?

Can you explain what the async function in the C++ Standard Library does?

Sure! The async function in C++ allows you to run tasks asynchronously, meaning they can execute in parallel without blocking the main thread.

How do I use async with a lambda function?

You can use async with a lambda by passing the lambda as an argument. For example: std::async([]{ return 42; }); will run the lambda asynchronously.

What are the return types when using async?

The return type of async is a std::future, which can be used to retrieve the result of the asynchronous operation once it's complete.

Are there any drawbacks to using async?

Yes, potential drawbacks include increased complexity, possible resource contention, and the overhead of managing multiple threads.