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

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

C++ templates allow for generic programming, enabling code reuse for different data types, while inheritance is a way to create a new class based on an existing class, promoting code reuse through a hierarchical relationship.

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

Sure! Use templates when you need a function or class to work with any data type, like a sorting function. Use inheritance when you want to create a specialized version of a class, like a 'Dog' class inheriting from an 'Animal' class.

What are the advantages of using templates?

Templates provide type safety, reduce code duplication, and can lead to more efficient code since they are resolved at compile time.

Are there any downsides to using templates?

Yes, templates can lead to code bloat due to multiple instantiations and can make compilation times longer. They can also be harder to debug.

How do templates and inheritance affect performance?

Templates can improve performance by allowing optimizations at compile time, while inheritance may introduce some overhead due to virtual function calls if polymorphism is used.