What are some use cases for variadic templates in C++?

What are some use cases for variadic templates in C++?

Variadic templates in C++ allow functions and classes to accept an arbitrary number of template parameters. They are useful in scenarios like type-safe function overloading, creating flexible data structures, and implementing generic algorithms.

Can you give me an example of how to use variadic templates?

Sure! Here's a simple example: you can create a function that sums any number of arguments using variadic templates:

template<typename... Args>
auto sum(Args... args) {
    return (args + ...);
}

This function uses a fold expression to sum all the arguments.

What are the advantages of using variadic templates over traditional methods?

The main advantages include increased flexibility, reduced code duplication, and better type safety. Variadic templates allow you to write more generic and reusable code compared to traditional function overloading.

Are there any limitations to using variadic templates?

Yes, some limitations include increased complexity in code readability and potential compilation errors that can be harder to debug. Additionally, they may lead to longer compile times due to template instantiation.