What are the differences between std::thread and std::async in C++?

What are the differences between std::thread and std::async in C++?

std::thread is used for creating and managing threads directly, while std::async is used for running tasks asynchronously and returns a future.

Can you explain how std::async handles exceptions?

Yes, std::async captures exceptions thrown in the asynchronous task and allows you to retrieve them using the future's get() method.

Which one is better for performance, std::thread or std::async?

It depends on the use case. std::thread gives you more control, while std::async is easier to use for simple tasks.

Are there any scenarios where I should prefer std::thread over std::async?

Yes, if you need fine-grained control over thread management or need to pass specific thread attributes, std::thread is preferable.

Can you give an example of using std::async?

Sure! Here's a simple example: std::async([]{ return 42; }); will run the lambda asynchronously and return a future with the result.