`std::function` vs. Templates: When Should I Choose Which?

std::function vs Templates: Making Informed Decisions

In the realm of C , std::function and templates offer distinct avenues for handling functor wrappers. While both have their merits, it's crucial to understand their purpose and limitations.

Prefer Templates for Design Considerations

When designing code, prioritize templates. They enforce constraints at compile-time, minimizing errors. Unlike std::function, templates resolve calls statically, allowing for optimizations and potential inlining.

std::function for Runtime Flexibility

Reserve std::function for scenarios where calls need to be resolved at runtime. This typically involves a collection of callbacks with varying types, whose invocation is determined dynamically.

Other Applications of std::function

Beyond runtime flexibility, std::function finds applications in functional programming scenarios, where functions are treated as objects. It also enables recursive lambdas, albeit with current technological limitations.

Conclusion

Rather than pitting std::function and templates against each other, consider their intended use cases:

• Templates excel in design situations where constraints can be specified upfront and static resolution is preferred.
• std::function shines when runtime flexibility is paramount, allowing for dynamic invocation of heterogeneous callbacks.

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