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Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
What is a macro?
2.1.
Original Code
2.2.
After Preprocessing
2.3.
Explanation
3.
Advantages of Macros
4.
Disadvantages of Macros
5.
Uses of Macros
6.
What is a function?
6.1.
Implementation
6.2.
Explanation
7.
Advantages of Functions
8.
Disadvantages of Functions
9.
Uses of Functions
10.
Macro Vs Function
10.1.
Example
10.1.1.
Implementation
10.1.2.
Output
10.1.3.
Explanation
11.
Frequently Asked Questions
11.1.
Are there any restrictions on using macros?
11.2.
Can macros be defined inside functions in C++?
11.3.
Can we use macros to modify program flow in C++?
11.4.
Why do we use macros in competitive programming?
11.5.
How do macros affect the size of a compiled program?
12.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Jun 10, 2024
Easy

Difference between Macro and Function

Author Akshat Aggarwal
2 upvotes

Introduction

Many programming languages provide macros and functions, each with unique syntax and features. Both of them serve a similar purpose of performing a specific task by creating reusable code.

Difference between Macro and Function

In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between macros and functions and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both.

Also see, Abstract Data Types in C++

What is a macro?

A macro is a preprocessor directive that defines a piece of reusable code. Macros reduce the repetition of code and increase readability. In C++, we define macros using the #define preprocessor directive. The syntax of a macro definition is as follows:

#define macro_name(argument_list) replacement_code
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We can use macros to define a constant value. For example, we can use the following PI macro anywhere in the program.

#define PI 3.14159265
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We can also give arguments to macros, making them similar to functions. For example, the following macro multiplies two integers.

#define MULTIPLY(x, y) ((x) * (y))
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Visualise macro syntax with example

The Preprocessor removes all occurrences of a macro (and all other preprocessor directives) and replaces it with the macro’s definition, just like it is. For example, any occurrence of MULTIPLY(2, 5) converts to ((2) * (5)) after preprocessing. This property of macros also leads to unexpected results. 

Let us look at an example of code before and after preprocessing. This can be done using the g++ -E flag, which runs the preprocessor stage of the compiler. Thus, to run the preprocessor on the main.cpp, you use the g++ -E main.cpp command.

Original Code

#define NUMBER 10

int main() {
    int a = NUMBER, b = NUMBER * NUMBER;
    return 0;
}
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After Preprocessing

int main() {
    int a = 10, b = 10 * 10;
    return 0;
}
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Explanation

In this code, after preprocessing we can see that the compiler replaces all occurrences of the macro NUMBER with its definition 10.

Advantages of Macros

The advantages of macros are:

  • Macros reduce duplicate code and save our time and effort.
     
  • Macros increase readability by defining a simple macro for a complex task.
     
  • Macros can enable or disable certain blocks of code and therefore be useful for debugging.
     
  • Generally, macros are faster than functions.

Disadvantages of Macros

The disadvantages of macros are:

  • Macros can sometimes make code difficult to debug if the error occurs within the macro.
     
  • Macros don’t do type-checking and thus can sometimes produce unexpected results.
     
  • Macros increase the code size after preprocessing.
     
  • Macros can lead to unexpected results if not used cautiously.

Uses of Macros

We can use Macros to:

  • Define constants.
     
  • Compile conditionally. We can use this to make platform-specific code, etc.
     
  • Generate code based on input conditions. For example, in competitive programming, some people use macros to make for loops smaller. The start and end value of the looping variable is given as arguments to the macro.

    #define FOR(start, end, step) for(int i = start; i <= end; i += step)

What is a function?

A function is a block of related statements performing a specific task. Functions allow us to write modular and reusable code, making the code easier to maintain. The syntax of a function definition is as follows:

return_type function_name(parameter list) {
    // function body
}
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Also, a function doesn't need to return a value.

For example, the following function adds two integers.

int add (int x, int y) {
    return x + y;
}
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Visualise function syntax with example

The compiler translates functions into machine code and includes them in an executable program, which means functions are compiled and linked at compile time. Let us look at an example of using functions.

Now, Let us look at the complete code.

Implementation

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int add(int x, int y) {
    return x + y;
}

int main() {
    cout << "Sum of 1 and 3 = " << add(1, 3) << '\n';
}
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Output

Sum of 1 and 3 = 4

Explanation

This code defines a function add which takes two arguments x and y and returns their sum. The main function calls this add function and outputs its result.

Advantages of Functions

The advantages of functions are:

  • Functions combine a set of statements performing one function, making code easier to understand and more readable.
     
  • Functions reduce duplication of code and allow code reusability.
     
  • Functions can be overloaded with different parameter types.

Disadvantages of Functions

The disadvantages of functions are:

  • It can be difficult to debug a recursive function.
     
  • Function calls have an overhead that makes them slower.

Uses of Functions

We can use functions to:

  • Perform calculations like addition or multiplication. Functions can abstract away complex calculations and make code more readable.
     
  • Manipulate data (sorting or filtering).
     
  • Handle input/output operations, like handling large files.
     
  • Create libraries of code that others can use.
     
  • Test the working of the code and debugging.
     
  • Define methods on objects.

Macro Vs Function

The following table gives the differences between macros and functions.

Based on

Macro

Function

Type Checking

Macros don’t perform type checking, which means macro will be executed even if you pass arguments with incorrect data type. 

Functions perform type checking and give a compilation error if we pass the wrong data type arguments.

Debugging

It is harder to debug code with macros as it is difficult to understand the result of substituting many macros.

It is easier to debug code with functions.

Overloading

We cannot overload macros.

We can overload functions and provide different functionality for different sets of arguments.

Performance

Macros are faster than functions as there is no function call overhead.

Functions are generally slower.

Length

Usually single line. We can write multiline macros using a backslash character at the end of each line.

It can span across any number of lines (no restrictions).

Time of processing

Macros are processed during the preprocessing stage.

Functions are compiled during the compilation stage.

Code length after compilation

Increases.

Remains same.

Use

Macros are helpful for small reusable codes.

Functions are useful for large reusable codes.

Return values

Macros do not return values.

Functions can return values.

Nesting

Macros can be nested.

Functions cannot be nested.

Side-Effects

Macros can have unwanted side effects.

Functions generally don’t have any side effects.

Example

Let's understand the difference using an example.

Implementation

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int MUL_FUNC(int x, int y) {
    return x * y;
}

#define MUL_MACRO(x, y) x* y

int main() {
    cout << MUL_FUNC(1 + 2, 2 + 1) << '\n';
    cout << MUL_MACRO(1 + 2, 2 + 1) << '\n';
    return 0;
}
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Output

9
6


Explanation

The function MUL_FUNC is defined using the int keyword and takes two integer parameters, x and y. The function is then called with the arguments (1 + 2, 2 + 1) and returns the value 9.

On the other hand, the macro MUL_MACRO is defined using the #define preprocessor directive and takes two integer parameters, x and y. When the macro is called with the arguments (1 + 2, 2 + 1), it expands to 1 + 2 * 2 + 1, then evaluated as 6.

Check this out, loop and while loop

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any restrictions on using macros?

We should use macros carefully because they lack type checking, variable scope, and other features that make code more reliable and easier to maintain.

Can macros be defined inside functions in C++?

Yes, macros can be defined inside functions in C++, but this is generally not recommended as it reduces readability.

Can we use macros to modify program flow in C++?

Yes, we can use macros to change program flow in C++ using conditional statements such as #ifdef and #ifndef.

Why do we use macros in competitive programming?

We use macros in competitive programming to save typing time and make the code more concise. Macros can be used to define constants and to perform simple operations.

How do macros affect the size of a compiled program?

Macros can increase the size of a compiled program in C++ because they are replaced by the preprocessor before compilation, resulting in duplicated code. This can lead to larger executable files and longer compile time.

Conclusion

This article discussed how macros and functions serve similar functions but differ significantly. The choice between a macro or a function depends on the programmer and the use case.

To learn more about C/C++, we recommend reading the following articles:

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