What are some practical use cases for std::optional in C++17?

What are some practical use cases for std::optional in C++17?

std::optional is great for representing optional values. For example, it can be used to indicate that a function might not return a value.

Can you give me an example of a function that uses std::optional?

Sure! Here's a simple example: a function that searches for a value in a vector and returns std::optional<int> to indicate if the value was found.

What are the benefits of using std::optional over using pointers?

Using std::optional avoids the need for raw pointers, reducing the risk of null pointer dereferencing and improving code clarity.

Are there any performance considerations I should be aware of?

Yes, std::optional can have some overhead compared to using raw types, but it often leads to safer and more maintainable code.