What are C++ templates and how do they relate to inheritance?

What are C++ templates and how do they relate to inheritance?

C++ templates allow you to create functions and classes that work with any data type. Inheritance can be used with templates to create a hierarchy of classes that share common functionality.

Can you give me an example of a template class with inheritance?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

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

template <typename T>
class Derived : public Base<T> {
public:
    Derived(T val) : Base<T>(val) {}
};

In this example, Derived inherits from the template class Base.

How does this affect polymorphism in C++?

Using templates with inheritance can enhance polymorphism by allowing you to create a family of classes that can be treated as a single type. This enables more flexible and reusable code.

Are there any limitations to using templates with inheritance?

Yes, some limitations include increased compilation time and potential code bloat due to multiple instantiations of template classes. Additionally, debugging can be more complex.