What are the differences between threading and async in C++?

What are the differences between threading and async in C++?

Threading in C++ involves creating multiple threads of execution, allowing concurrent operations. Async, on the other hand, is a way to run tasks asynchronously without blocking the main thread, often using futures and promises.

Can you give me an example of when to use each?

Sure! Use threading when you need to perform CPU-bound tasks in parallel, like processing large datasets. Use async for I/O-bound tasks, such as network requests, where you want to avoid blocking while waiting for a response.

What are the performance implications of each?

Threading can lead to better performance for CPU-bound tasks but may introduce overhead due to context switching. Async can improve responsiveness and resource utilization for I/O-bound tasks, but it may not utilize CPU cores as effectively.

Are there any libraries in C++ that help with async programming?

Yes, C++11 introduced the <future> library for async programming, and libraries like Boost.Asio provide powerful tools for asynchronous I/O operations.