What are the differences between template and inheritance in programming?

What are the differences between template and inheritance in programming?

Templates and inheritance are both ways to achieve code reuse, but they work differently. Inheritance allows a class to inherit properties and methods from another class, while templates enable functions or classes to operate with any data type.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! For inheritance, consider a class Animal and a subclass Dog that inherits from it. For templates, you might have a function template <typename T> T add(T a, T b) that can add two values of any type.

Which one is better to use?

It depends on the situation. Inheritance is great for establishing a clear hierarchy, while templates are useful for writing generic and reusable code. Each has its own advantages.

Are there any downsides to using templates?

Yes, templates can lead to code bloat because they generate separate instances for each type used. They can also make error messages more complex and harder to understand.