When should I use inline functions?

What are inline functions and when should I use them?

Inline functions are functions defined within a class or a method that can be expanded in place. You should use them when performance is critical, and the function is small enough to justify the overhead of inlining.

Can you give me an example of an inline function?

Sure! In C++, you might define an inline function like this: inline int add(int a, int b) { return a + b; }. This function can be called without the overhead of a regular function call.

Are there any downsides to using inline functions?

Yes, if the function is too large, inlining it can increase the size of the binary, which may negatively impact performance. Also, debugging can become more complex.

How do inline functions compare to macros?

Inline functions are type-safe and scoped, while macros are not. Macros can lead to unexpected behavior due to their text substitution nature.