inline function in cpp

An inline function in C++ is a function that is expanded by the compiler at the point of function call, rather than being executed as a separate function. This can improve performance by avoiding the overhead of function call and return.

To define an inline function in C++, you can use the inline keyword before the function declaration. Here are the steps involved in using an inline function in C++:

1. Define the function: Start by defining the function that you want to make inline. This can be done in the header file or the source file.

2. Declare the function as inline: Before the function declaration, use the inline keyword to indicate that the function should be expanded inline.

3. Call the inline function: In your code, when you want to call the inline function, simply use the function name followed by parentheses and any required arguments.

4. Expansion of the inline function: When the compiler encounters a call to an inline function, it replaces the function call with the actual body of the function. This eliminates the overhead of function call and return.

5. Compile the code: After writing the code, compile it using a C++ compiler. The compiler will handle the inline function according to its own optimization rules.

6. Use caution with large inline functions: While inline functions can improve performance, they should be used judiciously. Large inline functions can result in increased code size and may not provide the expected performance benefits.

By following these steps, you can use inline functions in C++ to improve performance by avoiding the overhead of function call and return.