C++ Templates

This page provides a short introduction to generic programming in C++, focusing on function templates and class templates. It explains how templates allow you to write generic and reusable code by defining functions and classes that can operate with any data type. The key points covered include:

1. Function Templates: These enable you to create functions that can work with different data types without rewriting the function for each type.
2. Class Templates: Similar to function templates, class templates allow you to define classes that can handle various data types.
3. Template Syntax: The syntax for defining templates, including the use of the template keyword and template parameters.
4. Examples: Practical examples demonstrating how to use function and class templates in C++.

Now, let's move on to the tutorial. I'll break it down into several parts. When you're ready for the next part, just say "next."

Part 1: Introduction to Templates

Templates in C++ are a powerful feature that allows you to write generic and reusable code. They enable you to define functions and classes that can operate with any data type. This is particularly useful for creating libraries and frameworks where the exact data types may not be known in advance.

Function Templates

A function template allows you to create a single function that can work with different data types. Here's a basic example:

template <typename T> T add(T a, T b) { return a + b; }

In this example, add is a function template that can add two values of any type T. The typename T part declares a template parameter T, which can be any data type.

Part 2: Using Function Templates

Function templates are versatile and can be used for various operations. Let's look at a few more examples to understand their flexibility.

Example 1: Swapping Values

Here's a template function to swap two values:

template <typename T> void swap(T& a, T& b) { T temp = a; a = b; b = temp; }

In this example, swap is a function template that swaps the values of two variables of any type T. The & symbol denotes that the parameters are passed by reference, allowing the function to modify the original variables.