What are C++ templates and how do they work in the standard library?

What are C++ templates and how do they work in the standard library?

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 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;
}

How do templates improve code reusability?

Templates allow you to write a single function or class definition that works with any data type, reducing code duplication and improving maintainability.

What are some common uses of templates in the C++ standard library?

Common uses include the Standard Template Library (STL) which provides template classes like vector, list, and algorithms like sort.