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

  • 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.