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.