Simplify complexity and unlock C++ template programming

C++ template programming uses type parameterization (template) to create code that can work with different data types. It allows specialization (template), providing different implementations for specific types. For example, we can use templates to create a list class (template class List), which can store any type of data.

Simplify the complex and unlock C++ template programming

Introduction

Template Programming is a powerful technique in C++ that allows us to write code that works with different data types. By using templates, we can create reusable code, thereby increasing development efficiency and reducing code duplication.

Type parameterization

The basis of templates is type parameterization. We can use the template<class t></class> keyword to declare a template function or class, where T is the type parameter. For example:

template<class T>
void print(T value) {
  std::cout << value << std::endl;
}

This template function can print any type of data.

Specialization

Sometimes, we may need to provide different implementations for specific types. We can achieve this using template specialization. For example, we can specialize the print function for the char type:

template<>
void print<char>(char value) {
  std::cout << static_cast<int>(value) << std::endl;
}

Now, when we call print('a') , it will print the ASCII value 97 for a.

Example: List Class

Let us use templates to create a list class that can store any type of data.

template<class T>
class List {
public:
  void add(T value) {
    elements.push_back(value);
  }

  void print() {
    for (T element : elements) {
      std::cout << element << " ";
    }
    std::cout << std::endl;
  }

private:
  std::vector<T> elements;
};

We can use this list class to store integers, strings or any other data type:

List<int> intList;
intList.add(1);
intList.add(2);
intList.print(); // 输出：1 2

List<std::string> stringList;
stringList.add("Hello");
stringList.add("World");
stringList.print(); // 输出：Hello World

Conclusion

By understanding type parameterization and specialization, we can master C++ template programming. It allows us to create common and reusable code, thereby reducing code duplication and increasing development efficiency.

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