What are the differences between language bindings and foreign function interfaces?

What are the differences between language bindings and foreign function interfaces?

Language bindings allow code written in one language to call functions in another language, while foreign function interfaces (FFI) provide a way to call functions from other languages directly, often with more control over data types and memory.

Can you give an example of when to use each?

Sure! Use language bindings when you want to integrate libraries from another language easily, like using Python bindings for a C library. Use FFI when you need fine-grained control, such as optimizing performance-critical code.

Are there any performance differences between the two?

Yes, FFIs can be more performant since they allow direct calls and better memory management, while language bindings may introduce overhead due to abstraction.

Which one is easier to implement?

Language bindings are generally easier to implement because they often come with higher-level abstractions, while FFIs require more detailed knowledge of both languages.