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C++ Templates
course content

Course Content

C++ Templates

C++ Templates

1. Creating First Template
Introduction to TemplatesBasic Syntax of TemplateCreating Your First TemplateMultiple TypenamesNaming Conventions
2. Templates Usage
Typename Parameter as a Return TypeImplicit and Explicit Type SpecificationNon-type Template Parameters
3. Class Templates
Introduction to Class templatesTemplate Classes and STLTemplates with Default Type ParametersClass Template Argument Deduction
4. Template Specialization
Introduction to Template SpecializationHow to Use Template SpecializationPartial Template SpecializationTemplate ConstraintsOverview

bookHow to Use Template Specialization

Syntax of Template Specialization

To understand how template specialization works, we first need to grasp what happens under the hood when a template is called with a specific data type.

When you call a template function with a particular type, the compiler generates a concrete instance of the template for that type. This process is called template instantiation. Essentially, the compiler substitutes the template parameter with the provided type and creates a specialized version of the function.

cpp

main

h

header

copy

              
123456789101112

            
#include <iostream>

template<typename T>
T TemplateFunction(T value) { return value; }

int main()
{
    // When the compiler encounters this line
    // It generates a function for the specified type
    //               VVV
    TemplateFunction<int>(5);
}

But first, it checks if a substitution for this function already exists. There's no point in generating multiple instances of this function if it's called with the same type repeatedly. With this knowledge, we can use it for our purposes.

Task

Create a template specialization for the TemplateFunction that handles std::string data types.

  1. Implement a specialization for TemplateFunction to process std::string parameters differently.
  2. Ensure that any string passed as a parameter has "Specialized: " added to the beginning of the returned value.

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Section 4. Chapter 2
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bookHow to Use Template Specialization

Syntax of Template Specialization

To understand how template specialization works, we first need to grasp what happens under the hood when a template is called with a specific data type.

When you call a template function with a particular type, the compiler generates a concrete instance of the template for that type. This process is called template instantiation. Essentially, the compiler substitutes the template parameter with the provided type and creates a specialized version of the function.

cpp

main

h

header

copy

              
123456789101112

            
#include <iostream>

template<typename T>
T TemplateFunction(T value) { return value; }

int main()
{
    // When the compiler encounters this line
    // It generates a function for the specified type
    //               VVV
    TemplateFunction<int>(5);
}

But first, it checks if a substitution for this function already exists. There's no point in generating multiple instances of this function if it's called with the same type repeatedly. With this knowledge, we can use it for our purposes.

Task

Create a template specialization for the TemplateFunction that handles std::string data types.

  1. Implement a specialization for TemplateFunction to process std::string parameters differently.
  2. Ensure that any string passed as a parameter has "Specialized: " added to the beginning of the returned value.

Switch to desktopSwitch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below
Everything was clear?

How can we improve it?

Thanks for your feedback!

Section 4. Chapter 2
toggle bottom row

bookHow to Use Template Specialization

Syntax of Template Specialization

To understand how template specialization works, we first need to grasp what happens under the hood when a template is called with a specific data type.

When you call a template function with a particular type, the compiler generates a concrete instance of the template for that type. This process is called template instantiation. Essentially, the compiler substitutes the template parameter with the provided type and creates a specialized version of the function.

cpp

main

h

header

copy

              
123456789101112

            
#include <iostream>

template<typename T>
T TemplateFunction(T value) { return value; }

int main()
{
    // When the compiler encounters this line
    // It generates a function for the specified type
    //               VVV
    TemplateFunction<int>(5);
}

But first, it checks if a substitution for this function already exists. There's no point in generating multiple instances of this function if it's called with the same type repeatedly. With this knowledge, we can use it for our purposes.

Task

Create a template specialization for the TemplateFunction that handles std::string data types.

  1. Implement a specialization for TemplateFunction to process std::string parameters differently.
  2. Ensure that any string passed as a parameter has "Specialized: " added to the beginning of the returned value.

Switch to desktopSwitch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below
Everything was clear?

How can we improve it?

Thanks for your feedback!

Syntax of Template Specialization

To understand how template specialization works, we first need to grasp what happens under the hood when a template is called with a specific data type.

When you call a template function with a particular type, the compiler generates a concrete instance of the template for that type. This process is called template instantiation. Essentially, the compiler substitutes the template parameter with the provided type and creates a specialized version of the function.

cpp

main

h

header

copy

              
123456789101112

            
#include <iostream>

template<typename T>
T TemplateFunction(T value) { return value; }

int main()
{
    // When the compiler encounters this line
    // It generates a function for the specified type
    //               VVV
    TemplateFunction<int>(5);
}

But first, it checks if a substitution for this function already exists. There's no point in generating multiple instances of this function if it's called with the same type repeatedly. With this knowledge, we can use it for our purposes.

Task

Create a template specialization for the TemplateFunction that handles std::string data types.

  1. Implement a specialization for TemplateFunction to process std::string parameters differently.
  2. Ensure that any string passed as a parameter has "Specialized: " added to the beginning of the returned value.

Switch to desktopSwitch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below
Section 4. Chapter 2
Switch to desktopSwitch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below
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