What are the differences between C++ templates and macros?

What are the differences between C++ templates and macros?

C++ templates are a way to create generic functions and classes, while macros are preprocessor directives that perform text substitution.

Can you give me an example of a template and a macro?

Sure! A template example is template<typename T> T add(T a, T b) { return a + b; }. A macro example is #define SQUARE(x) ((x) * (x)).

Which one is generally preferred in modern C++?

Templates are generally preferred in modern C++ because they provide type safety and better error checking compared to macros.

Are there any performance differences between them?

Yes, templates can lead to better performance as they are resolved at compile time, while macros are expanded at preprocessing time, which can lead to code bloat.