What are C++ coroutines and how do they work?

What are C++ coroutines and how do they work?

C++ coroutines are a feature that allows functions to be paused and resumed, enabling asynchronous programming. They simplify writing code that deals with tasks like I/O operations without blocking the main thread.

Can you give me an example of a coroutine in C++?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

#include <iostream>
#include <coroutine>

struct Coroutine {
    struct promise_type {
        Coroutine get_return_object() { return {}; }
        std::suspend_never initial_suspend() { return {}; }
        std::suspend_always final_suspend() noexcept { return {}; }
        void unhandled_exception() {}
        void return_void() {}
    };
};

Coroutine exampleCoroutine() {
    std::cout << "Coroutine started!" << std::endl;
    co_return;
}

What are the benefits of using coroutines over traditional threading?

Coroutines are generally lighter than threads, as they don't require a separate stack and can be more efficient in terms of memory usage. They also make the code easier to read and maintain by avoiding callback hell and complex state management.

Are there any limitations or drawbacks to using coroutines?

Yes, while coroutines are powerful, they can introduce complexity in debugging and may not be suitable for all scenarios, especially where true parallelism is required.