What are C++ templates and how do they work?

What are C++ templates and how do they work?

C++ templates are a powerful feature that allows you to write generic and reusable code. They enable functions and classes to operate with any data type.

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 can add two numbers of any type, like int or float.

What about class templates? How do they differ?

Class templates are similar to function templates but are used to create classes. For example:

template <typename T>
class Box {
public:
    T value;
    Box(T val) : value(val) {}
};

This creates a Box class that can hold any data type.

Are there any limitations to using templates?

Yes, templates can lead to code bloat if overused, as each type instantiation generates a new version of the template. Also, error messages can be complex.