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Visual C++ Language Reference

Templates

C++ templates enable you to define a family of functions or classes that can operate on different types of information. The Microsoft implementation of C++ templates is based on the ISO/ANSI C++ Standard.

Use templates in situations that result in duplication of the same code for multiple types. For example, you can use function templates to create a set of functions that apply the same algorithm to different data types. You can also use class templates to develop a set of typesafe classes. Templates are sometimes a better solution than C macros and void pointers, and they are especially useful when working with collections (one of the main uses for templates in MFC) and smart pointers.

In This Section

Overview: Provides general information about templates, or parameterized types, in Visual C++.

Specifications: Provides a specification for a template declaration.

typename: Describes the typename keyword.

Referencing Templates [C++ Language]: Provides a task showing how to reference templates in your code.

Angle Bracket Placement: Describes how angle brackets are placed in templates.

Differences from Other Implementations: Discusses Microsoft-specific implementations of templates.

Name Resolution: Discusses the three types of names in template definitions.

Class Templates: Describes how to use and work with class templates.

Function Templates: Describes how to use and work with function templates.

Related Sections

ATL Reference: Provides reference material for the ATL Library, a set of template-based C++ classes that simplify the programming of COM objects.

C++ Language Reference: Describes the C++ programming language as implemented in Microsoft C++.

Generics and Templates: Discusses the differences between generics and templates.