Function template: In C++, a function template is referred as a “generic” function, which can work with different data types. While writing a function template, a programmer should use a “type parameter” to denote a “generic” data type instead of using the actual parameter. The compiler generates the code, when it encounters a function call to a function template. This code will handle the particular data type which is used in the function call. The compiler identifies the argument type and generates the code to work with those types. The generated code is referred as “template function”. Example: For example consider the following function template for finding a cube of value: template <class T> T cube(T x) { return x * x * x ; } A function template must begin with the keyword “template” and it is followed by a pair of angle brackets, which contains one or more “generic” data types. A “generic” type must start with the keyword “class”, followed by an argument name which stands for the data type. The statement “T cube(T x)” is referred as function header, where “T” is a “type parameter”, “cube” is the function name and the variable “x” is declared for the type “T”.

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Chapter 17.1, Problem 6STE

Program Plan Intro

Function template:

In C++, a function template is referred as a “generic” function, which can work with different data types.

While writing a function template, a programmer should use a “type parameter” to denote a “generic” data type instead of using the actual parameter.

The compiler generates the code, when it encounters a function call to a function template. This code will handle the particular data type which is used in the function call.

The compiler identifies the argument type and generates the code to work with those types.

The generated code is referred as “template function”.

Example:

For example consider the following function template for finding a cube of value:

  template <class T>

  T cube(T x)

  {

  return x * x * x ;

  }

A function template must begin with the keyword “template” and it is followed by a pair of angle brackets, which contains one or more “generic” data types.

A “generic” type must start with the keyword “class”, followed by an argument name which stands for the data type.

The statement “T cube(T x)” is referred as function header, where “T” is a “type parameter”, “cube” is the function name and the variable “x” is declared for the type “T”.

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