C [plus plus] templates: the complete guide

Templates are among the most powerful features of C++, but they are too often neglected, misunderstood, and misused. C++ Templates: The Complete Guide provides software architects and engineers with a clear understanding of why, when, and how to use templates to build and maintain cleaner, faster, and smarter software more efficiently. C++ Templates begins with an insightful tutorial on basic concepts and language features. The remainder of the book serves as a comprehensive reference, focusing first on language details, then on a wide range of coding techniques, and finally on advanced applications for templates. Examples used throughout the book illustrate abstract concepts and demonstrate best practices. Readers learn The exact behaviors of templatesHow to avoid the pitfalls associated with templatesIdioms and techniques, from the basic to the previously undocumentedHow to reuse source code without threatening performance or safetyHow to increase the efficiency of C++ programsHow to produce more flexible and maintainable software This practical guide shows programmers how to exploit the full power of the template features in C++. The companion Web site at http://www.josuttis.com/tmplbook/ contains sample code and additional updates. The authors of this textbook urge readers to see them as a scientist- engineer pair, producing a combination C++ template tutorial with a detailed reference. They introduce language elements and design elements of the template feature of the programming language and provide coverage of template syntax and semantics. Techniques covered include static polymorphism, policy classes, metaprogramming, and expression templates. Also discussed is the C++ standard library, constructed largely with templates. Readers are expected to know C++ before approaching the book. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR This book will be the next C++ classic. Although templates have been part of C++ for well over a decade, they still lead to misunderstanding, misuse, and controversy. At the same time, they are increasingly found to be powerful instruments for the development of cleaner, faster, and smarter software. This has made templates one of the hottest topics in the C++ community. This book will be both a complete reference as well as a tutorial. It will emphasize the practical use of templates, and will include real-world examples. Every working C++ programmer will need a copy of this book for his or her library Provides software architects and engineers with an understanding of why, when, and how to use templates to build and maintain software efficiently. This book begins with a tutorial on basic concepts and language features. It shows programmers how to exploit the power of the template features in C++. The first book to provide complete and accurate information on using templates in C++. A complete reference as well as a tutorial. Includes real-world examples. Every working C++ programmer will need a copy of this book for his or her library. David Vandevoorde, Nicolai M. Josuttis. Includes Index.