How do I implement partial template specialization in C++?

How do I implement partial template specialization in C++?

Partial template specialization allows you to define a template for a subset of types. You can do this by creating a specialized version of a template for specific types.

Can you give me an example of partial template specialization?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

template <typename T>
class MyClass {
public:
    void display() { std::cout << "Generic version" << std::endl; }
};

// Partial specialization for pointer types
template <typename T>
class MyClass<T*> {
public:
    void display() { std::cout << "Pointer version" << std::endl; }
};

In this example, MyClass has a generic version and a specialized version for pointer types.

What are the benefits of using partial template specialization?

Partial template specialization allows for more flexible and reusable code. It enables you to tailor the behavior of templates for specific types without needing to create entirely new classes.

Are there any limitations to partial template specialization?

Yes, one limitation is that you cannot partially specialize function templates. Additionally, the rules for template argument deduction can sometimes lead to unexpected behavior.