How do I use the async function in C++?

How do I use the async function in C++?

The async function in C++ allows you to run tasks asynchronously. You can use it to execute functions in parallel.

Can you show me a simple example of using async?

Sure! Here's a basic example:

#include <iostream>
#include <future>

int compute(int x) {
    return x * x;
}

int main() {
    std::future<int> result = std::async(compute, 5);
    std::cout << "Result: " << result.get() << std::endl;
    return 0;
}

This code computes the square of 5 asynchronously.

What happens if I don't call get() on the future?

If you don't call get(), the result will not be retrieved, and the program may terminate without waiting for the async task to finish, potentially leading to resource leaks.

Are there any limitations to using async?

Yes, there are some limitations, such as potential overhead from thread management and the need to ensure that the tasks are thread-safe.