How do exceptions in C++ and Java affect performance?

How do exceptions in C++ and Java affect performance?

Exceptions can significantly impact performance in both C++ and Java, but the effects vary. In C++, exceptions are generally more efficient because they can be optimized away if not used. However, if exceptions are thrown frequently, they can lead to performance degradation due to stack unwinding.

What about Java? Are exceptions more costly there?

Yes, in Java, exceptions can be more costly. The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) has to perform additional work to handle exceptions, including creating stack traces. This overhead can slow down performance, especially if exceptions are thrown frequently.

Are there best practices to minimize the performance impact of exceptions?

Absolutely! In both languages, it's best to use exceptions for exceptional cases only, avoid using them for control flow, and consider using error codes in performance-critical sections.

Can you give examples of when to use exceptions?

Sure! Use exceptions for handling unexpected errors, like file not found or network issues, rather than for regular control flow like input validation.