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

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

Templates allow for generic programming, enabling functions and classes to operate with any data type, while inheritance is a way to create a new class based on an existing class, promoting code reuse.

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 multiple data types, 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 since each instantiation creates a new version of the function or class. They can also make error messages more complex.