C++ Inheritance vs Templates

What are the main differences between inheritance and templates in C++?

Inheritance allows a class to inherit properties and methods from another class, promoting code reuse. Templates, on the other hand, enable functions and classes to operate with generic types, allowing for more flexible and reusable code.

Can you give an example of when to use inheritance instead of templates?

Sure! Use inheritance when you have a clear hierarchical relationship, like a 'Vehicle' class and 'Car' or 'Bike' subclasses. Use templates when you want to create a function or class that can work with any data type, like a template for a sorting function.

Are there any performance implications when using templates?

Yes, templates can lead to code bloat because the compiler generates a new version of the template for each type used. However, they can also lead to optimizations since the compiler knows the exact types at compile time.

Which approach is generally preferred in modern C++?

It depends on the use case. Modern C++ often favors templates for generic programming, but inheritance is still valuable for establishing clear relationships between classes.