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

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

C++ templates are a feature that allows functions and classes to operate with generic types, while macros are preprocessor directives that perform text substitution before compilation. Templates are type-safe and checked at compile time, whereas macros are not type-checked and can lead to errors that are harder to debug.

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

Sure! Use templates when you need type safety and flexibility, like creating a generic function to sort an array of any data type. Macros are better for simple text substitutions, like defining constants.

What are the advantages of using templates over macros?

Templates provide better type safety, code reusability, and maintainability. They also allow for better error messages during compilation, making debugging easier.

Are there any performance differences between using templates and macros?

Generally, templates can lead to better-optimized code since they are resolved at compile time, while macros can introduce overhead due to their text substitution nature. However, the performance difference often depends on the specific use case.