C++ Inline Functions
by gowtham[ Edit ] 2010-02-15 10:40:57
What is Inline Function?
Inline functions are functions where the call is made to inline functions. The actual code then gets placed in the calling program.
Reason for the need of Inline Function:
Normally, a function call transfers the control from the calling program to the function and after the execution of the program returns the control back to the calling program after the function call. These concepts of function saved program space and memory space are used because the function is stored only in one place and is only executed when it is called. This concept of function execution may be time consuming since the registers and other processes must be saved before the function gets called.
The extra time needed and the process of saving is valid for larger functions. If the function is short, the programmer may wish to place the code of the function in the calling program in order for it to be executed. This type of function is best handled by the inline function. In this situation, the programmer may be wondering “why not write the short code repeatedly inside the program wherever needed instead of going for inline function?” Although this could accomplish the task, the problem lies in the loss of clarity of the program. If the programmer repeats the same code many times, there will be a loss of clarity in the program. The alternative approach is to allow inline functions to achieve the same purpose, with the concept of functions.
What happens when an inline function is written?
The inline function takes the format as a normal function but when it is compiled it is compiled as inline code. The function is placed separately as inline function, thus adding readability to the source program. When the program is compiled, the code present in function body is replaced in the place of function call.
General Format of inline Function:
The general format of inline function is as follows:
inline datatype function_name(arguments)
The keyword inline specified in the above example, designates the function as inline function. For example, if a programmer wishes to have a function named exforsys with return value as integer and with no arguments as inline it is written as follows:
inline int exforsys( )
Example:
The concept of inline functions:
#include
int exforsys(int);
void main( )
{
int x;
cout << “\n Enter the Input Value: ”;
cin>>x;
cout<<”\n The Output is: “ << exforsys(x);
}
inline int exforsys(int x1)
{
return 5*x1;
}
The output of the above program is:
Enter the Input Value: 10
The Output is: 50
