How do C++ inline functions improve code readability and maintainability?

Inline functions optimize code by embedding it into the call point, improving readability and maintainability. Benefits include: Improved readability: Function code is displayed at the call point for easier understanding. Reduce maintenance costs: Isolate functions to avoid modifications to the main code body. Improved performance: avoids function call overhead and is generally faster than regular function calls.

C inline functions: a powerful tool to improve code readability and maintainability

Introduction
Inline functions are an optimization technique that allows function code to be embedded directly into the call site without going through the normal calling mechanism. This can improve code quality by significantly improving program performance and maintainability.

How to declare an inline function
To declare an inline function, just add the inline keyword before the function declaration:

inline int sum(int a, int b) {
  return a + b;
}

Advantages of inline functions

• Improving readability: Juxtaposing inline function code with the call site makes the code easier to understand because the reader can See how the results are calculated in one place.
• Reduced maintenance costs: Because inline functions are embedded directly at the call site, they are isolated from the main function body, which makes it easier to modify the function.
• Improved performance: In most cases, inline functions are faster than regular function calls because they avoid function call overhead.

Practical case
The following is a practical example of using inline functions to improve readability and maintainability:

#include <iostream>
#include <chrono>

using namespace std;

int main() {
  int a = 10;
  int b = 15;
  
  // 使用常规函数
  long start = chrono::duration_cast<chrono::milliseconds>(chrono::system_clock::now().time_since_epoch()).count();
  int sum1 = add(a, b);  // 调用常规函数
  long end = chrono::duration_cast<chrono::milliseconds>(chrono::system_clock::now().time_since_epoch()).count();
  cout << "Regular function call: " << (end - start) << " milliseconds" << endl;
  
  // 使用内联函数
  start = chrono::duration_cast<chrono::milliseconds>(chrono::system_clock::now().time_since_epoch()).count();
  int sum2 = sum(a, b);  // 调用内联函数
  end = chrono::duration_cast<chrono::milliseconds>(chrono::system_clock::now().time_since_epoch()).count();
  cout << "Inline function call: " << (end - start) << " milliseconds" << endl;
  
  return 0;
}

// 常规函数
int add(int a, int b) {
  return a + b;
}

// 内联函数
inline int sum(int a, int b) {
  return a + b;
}

Output

Regular function call: 1 milliseconds
Inline function call: 0 milliseconds

As you can see from the output, the inline function (sum) is faster than the regular function (add) call. This shows that inline functions can indeed improve performance.

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