This post discusses the importance of efficient data handling in modern C++, exploring methods of passing contiguous data buffers to functions, including raw pointers, std::vector, std::array, and the C++20 feature std::span. It highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each method, emphasizing std::span's benefits for safe, flexible data management without ownership.
C++ templates are a powerful tool for writing flexible and reusable code, enabling type-independent programming. This guide covers everything from basic template syntax to advanced concepts like class templates, function return types, and instantiation. Whether you're new to templates or looking to refine your skills, each chapter provides clear explanations and practical insights. Dive in and unlock the full potential of C++ templates to write more efficient and scalable programs.
The content outlines seven chapters on C++ templates, covering introductory concepts, function templates, template parameters, return types, miscellaneous aspects, class templates, and class template instantiation. Each chapter provides a foundation for understanding and effectively using templates in C++. Additionally, it mentions the availability of source code.
In this chapter we will cover the following topics - Understanding difference between declaration and definition, Compiling and linking of template function, Organizing template function code, Abbreviated function templates, Overloading template function.
This chapter will discuss the various ways we can declare or deduce the return type of a template function. We can use either template or non-template parameters to declare the return type of a function template. We can also deduce the return type using keywords like auto and decltype. In some cases, we can declare a separate type parameter for the return type. Because of these intricacies, it is necessary to discuss the template function’s return type in detail with specific examples tailored for each case.
In Chapter 1 : Introduction to Templates in C++, we briefly encountered function templates in C++. In this chapter, we focus on how to implement…
Continue reading → Chapter 2 : Working with Function Templates in C++
C++ templates are intimidating for any beginner or intermediate level programmer as it is syntactically a bit cryptic and complex. Also, there are intricacies in how to use the powerful features of the language. A standard C++ book does not always go into the feature’s details instead of just touching upon the subject, which is not sufficiently explanatory for the first-time learners. Sometimes the examples are too complicated, or the explanations are too vague to understand. Often, there are not many different sample codes to practice enough to have a good grip on the subject. In other cases, the available books go so deep into the nitty-gritty of the language that the reader feels a bit lost in the sea of information. In either way, the subject seems daunting for the newbies or intermediate-level programmers. However, if we explain it systematically with simple examples and easy-to-understand explanations, the C++ template could be a powerful tool for programmers. Proper use of templates can lead to clean, elegant, and efficient code on many occasions. The reader should be a beginner or intermediate-level programmer who has a basic understanding of C++ programming. They do not need to have detailed, in-depth knowledge or vast experience on the subject but should be familiar with the C++ programming paradigm’s basic concepts and be looking to take it to the next level.
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