Inline Functions

A function is inlined when a call to that function is replaced by the body of the function.
Inlined functions are faster since they avoid the overhead of a function call.
Inlined functions require more memory since the function call is replaced by the entire function body.
Inlining can be complicated when it goes several levels deep.
Do not inline
- Recursive functions.
- Functions containing loops.
- Functions more than about 5 lines long.
Two ways to inline a function:
- Write the keyword inline at the beginning of the function prototype.
- For member functions, write the body of the function in the class definition.
The Compiler and Inlining
- A smart compiler will exercise its own judgment about what to inline and what not to inline.
- The compiler may overrule the programmer.
- A compiler option allows the programmer to turn inlining off.
  - This is recommended when using the debugger.
- A compiler option allows the programmer to set the depth of inlining.

This page was last modified on Feb 22, 2001

URL: http://people.hsc.edu/faculty-staff/robbk/Coms262/Lectures/InlineFunctions.html