C++ std::optional Functions

In C++, std::optional is a new feature introduced in the C++17 standard, which allows us to represent an object that may or may not contain a value. The main functions of std::optional include:

1. Representing the possibility of a null value: std::optional can be used to indicate whether a value exists or not, thus avoiding the need to use null pointers or special values to represent the absence of a value.
2. Accessing values safely: std::optional provides a secure way to access values by using the value() method to retrieve the value. If the value does not exist, an exception will be thrown. Alternatively, you can use the value_or() method to retrieve the value and return a default value if it does not exist.
3. Streamline code logic: std::optional can simplify code logic, avoiding the use of cumbersome conditional statements to handle situations where values may be empty, making the code clearer and easier to read.
4. Alternative to pointers: std::optional can be used as a substitute for pointers, avoiding potential issues such as memory leaks and null pointer exceptions caused by using raw pointers.
5. Support for copying and moving semantics: std::optional supports both copying and moving semantics, allowing the creation of new std::optional objects through copy and move constructors.

Overall, std::optional offers a safer and more convenient way to handle potentially empty values, helping us write more robust and reliable code.