What are the differences between threading and asynchronous programming in C++?

What are the differences between threading and asynchronous programming in C++?

Threading involves creating multiple threads of execution, allowing concurrent operations, while asynchronous programming uses callbacks or futures to handle tasks without blocking the main thread.

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

Sure! Use threading for CPU-bound tasks that can run in parallel, like image processing. Use asynchronous programming for I/O-bound tasks, like network requests, to keep the application responsive.

What are the potential downsides of using threads?

Downsides include complexity in managing thread lifecycles, potential for race conditions, and increased difficulty in debugging.

How does asynchronous programming handle errors?

Asynchronous programming typically uses error handling mechanisms like try-catch blocks in promises or callbacks to manage errors without crashing the application.