What are the differences between function pointers and lambda expressions?

What are the differences between function pointers and lambda expressions?

Function pointers are variables that store the address of a function, allowing for dynamic function calls. Lambda expressions, on the other hand, are anonymous functions that can capture variables from their surrounding context, making them more flexible and easier to use in certain scenarios.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! A function pointer example in C might look like this: int (*funcPtr)(int) = &myFunction;. A lambda expression in C++ could be: auto lambda = [](int x) { return x * x; };.

When should I use one over the other?

Use function pointers when you need to pass functions as arguments or store them in data structures. Use lambda expressions for cleaner, more readable code, especially when you need to capture local variables.

Are there any performance differences?

Generally, function pointers and lambda expressions have similar performance, but lambdas can sometimes be optimized better by the compiler due to their inline nature.