Inline Function in C++

Inline Function in C++

-> To eliminate the cost of calls to small functions, C++ proposes a new feature called, Inline function.
           An inline function is a function that is expanded inline when it is invoked.

-> That is, the compiler replaces the function call with the corresponding function code (something similar to Macros in C).

-> The inline function are defined as follows:
       
             inline  function  header
                 {
                        function body
                  }




// C++ program to demonstrate inline function.

#include<iostream>
using namespace std;
inline int mul (int a,int b)
{
        return a*b;
}
int main()
{
        cout<<mul (5,10);
        return 0;
}

OUTPUT:-

50

*Rules for inline function:-

inlining is only a request to the compiler not a command. compiler can ignore the request for inlining. compiler may not perform inlining in such situations like:

1.) if a function contains a loop. (for,while,do-while)
2.) if a function is recursive.
3.) if a function contains static variables.
4.) if a function contains switch or goto statement.
5.) if a function return type is other than void and the return statement doesn't exist in function body.
6.) inline function can be used when the member function contains few statement.