What are the differences between debugging macros and functions in C++?

What are the differences between debugging macros and functions in C++?

Debugging macros are preprocessor directives that can simplify code but may obscure errors, while functions are safer and easier to debug.

Can you give me an example of a macro and a function for debugging?

Sure! A macro might look like #define DEBUG(x) std::cout << x << std::endl;, while a function could be void debug(const std::string& msg) { std::cout << msg << std::endl; }.

Which one is generally preferred for debugging?

Functions are generally preferred because they provide better type safety, scope control, and are easier to debug compared to macros.

Are there any performance differences between using macros and functions?

Yes, macros can be faster since they are expanded inline, but they can lead to code bloat. Functions may have a slight overhead due to calls but are more maintainable.