When should I use template specialization in C++?

When should I use template specialization in C++?

Template specialization is useful when you need to provide a specific implementation for a particular type or set of types.

Can you give me an example of when it's beneficial?

Sure! If you have a generic function that works for most types but needs a different behavior for a specific type, like std::string, you can specialize it.

What are the downsides of using template specialization?

One downside is that it can lead to code bloat, as each specialization generates a separate instance of the function or class.

Is there a performance impact with template specialization?

Yes, while it can optimize performance for specific types, excessive specialization can increase compile times and binary size.