What are C++ coroutines and how do I use them?

What are C++ coroutines and how do I use them?

C++ coroutines are a feature that allows you to write asynchronous code more easily. They enable functions to be paused and resumed, making it simpler to handle tasks like I/O operations without blocking the main thread.

Can you give me a simple example of a coroutine?

Sure! Here's a basic 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 << "Hello from coroutine!" << 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 paused and resumed without the overhead of context switching. This makes them more efficient for I/O-bound tasks.

Are there any limitations I should be aware of?

Yes, coroutines can be more complex to debug and may not be suitable for CPU-bound tasks. Additionally, they require a good understanding of asynchronous programming concepts.