What are C++ templates and how do I use them?

What are C++ templates and how do I use them?

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 of a function template that swaps two values:

template <typename T>
void swap(T &a, T &b) {
    T temp = a;
    a = b;
    b = temp;
}

How do I create a class template?

To create a class template, you use the template keyword followed by template parameters. Here's an example:

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

What are the advantages of using templates?

Templates promote code reusability and type safety, allowing you to write functions and classes that work with any data type without code duplication.