Is `endl` in C a Performance Fiasco or Just a Misunderstanding?

The C iostream endl Fiasco: Myth or Misunderstanding?

In the world of C programming, the mention of "endl" often sparks discussions about its perceived shortcomings. The term "fiasco" has even been used to describe its usage. But what is the reason behind this controversy?

As explained by Andrei Alexandrescu, endl is considered a potential performance issue when used excessively. Unlike the 'n' character, which only inserts a newline into the output buffer, endl additionally flushes the buffer to the underlying stream. This can lead to unnecessary performance penalties, especially for large outputs, where frequent flushing may degrade program performance.

Furthermore, many programmers use endl as the default way to end a line in console applications. However, it's often unnecessary to flush the buffer on every newline. By using 'n' instead, the buffer is flushed based on the internal buffer threshold or when explicitly requested using the flush manipulator.

Some argue that the inclusion of endl in the C standard is itself a questionable decision. They contend that its usage is limited to specific scenarios and that it doesn't provide significant benefits over using 'n' followed by flush when necessary.

In conclusion, while endl has its uses, its excessive use can lead to performance issues. Programmers should be mindful of this potential drawback and consider using 'n' as the preferred method for inserting newlines. However, there may be instances where flushing the buffer is necessary or beneficial, and in those cases, endl remains a valuable addition to the C standard library.

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