When should I use templates in C++?

When should I use templates in C++?

Templates in C++ are useful when you want to write generic and reusable code. They allow you to create functions or classes that can operate with any data type.

Can you give me an example of a template function?

Sure! Here's a simple example of a template function that swaps two values:

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

Are there any downsides to using templates?

Yes, while templates provide flexibility, they can lead to code bloat because the compiler generates a new version of the template for each type used. This can increase compile times and binary size.

When should I avoid using templates?

You should avoid using templates when the code is not intended to be generic, or when performance is critical and the overhead of template instantiation is a concern.