Rust: Threading vs Async - Which to Use?

What are the main differences between threading and async in Rust?

Threading in Rust involves creating multiple threads that run concurrently, while async programming allows for non-blocking operations using a single thread. Threading is great for CPU-bound tasks, while async is better for I/O-bound tasks.

Can you give me examples of when to use each?

Sure! Use threading for tasks like heavy computations or parallel processing. Use async for tasks like web requests or file I/O where waiting for responses is common.

What are the performance implications of each approach?

Threading can lead to higher memory usage due to multiple threads, while async can be more efficient in terms of resource usage but may introduce complexity in code management.

Is it possible to combine both approaches in a Rust application?

Yes, you can combine both! For example, you can use async for handling I/O operations and spawn threads for CPU-intensive tasks, allowing you to leverage the strengths of both models.