What are C++ templates and how does type deduction work?

What are C++ templates and how does type deduction work?

C++ templates are a powerful feature that allows you to write generic and reusable code. Type deduction is the process where the compiler automatically determines the type of a template parameter based on the arguments passed to it.

Can you give me an example of a function template?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

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

This function template can add two values of any type that supports the + operator.

How does the compiler deduce the type in this example?

When you call add(5, 3), the compiler sees that both arguments are integers and deduces that T is int. Similarly, if you call add(2.5, 3.5), it deduces T as double.

What are the benefits of using templates in C++?

Templates promote code reusability, type safety, and can lead to more efficient code since the compiler optimizes the generated code for specific types.