What are the differences between generics and templates in C++?

What are the differences between generics and templates in C++?

Generics in C++ are often associated with the concept of templates, but they are not exactly the same. Templates are a feature of C++ that allows functions and classes to operate with generic types. Generics, on the other hand, is a broader term that can refer to similar concepts in other programming languages.

Can you give me an example of how templates work in C++?

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;
}

This function can swap values of any type.

Are there any performance differences between using templates and regular functions?

Yes, templates can lead to code bloat because they generate a new version of the function for each type used. However, they can also enable optimizations that regular functions might not achieve.

When should I use templates instead of regular functions?

Use templates when you need type flexibility and want to write generic code that works with any data type. If the function logic is specific to a type, regular functions might be more appropriate.