Is Multiplying a Number by Itself More Efficient Than Using the `pow` Function?

What's more efficient: Using pow to square or just multiply it with itself?

In C , if you need to square a number, it's more efficient to simply multiply it with itself rather than using the pow function. For instance, x * x is faster than pow(x, 2).

The same applies to higher exponents as well. For example, x * x * x is faster than pow(x, 3).

Here's why:

• pow is a function, and function calls have overhead.
• Multiplying is a simple operation that can be done in a single CPU instruction.

So, if you only need to square or cube a number, it's best to avoid pow and just multiply the number by itself.

However, if you need to raise a number to a non-integer power, you'll have to use pow.

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