Notebook C++: Tips and Tricks with Templates

Foreword

One of the problems that C++ programmers face using templates is understanding the complex syntax. Mastering Templates can be a game-changer when programming C++, as it is a powerful feature for writing clean code.

In this book from the Notebook C++ series, I show you tips and tricks on how to write templates efficiently. It starts with the basics, like the different template parameter types and techniques like always_false. You’ll then learn more about best practices. For example, where to put the enable_if and how to disable a special member function.

Notebook C++: Tips and Tricks with Templates is a quick-reference book where you can find the information the moment you need it for programming.

Table of Contents

• Notes by Standard at a Glance
  • Notes belonging to C++11
  • Notes belonging to C++17
  • Notes belonging to C++20
• 1 Tips and Tricks with Templates
  • Note 1 : Know the name
  • Note 2 : Templates can have type and non-type parameters
  • Note 3 : When to use typename and when to use class
  • Note 4 : The elements of a variadic template
  • Note 5 : There are no implicit conversions for template parameters
  • Note 6 : Alias template for clean TMP
  • Note 7 : Variable templates for clean TMP
  • Note 8 : Using trailing return type syntax with decltype and void()
  • Note 9 : Use declval when you need to construct a type for testing during compile-time
  • Note 10 : What void_t does
  • Note 11 : Keep that array's size
  • Note 12 : There is no else if in C++
  • Note 13 : More useful than it appears: always_false
  • Note 14 : Prefer auto as an NTTP to reduce redundancy
  • Note 15 : Block template argument deduction
  • Note 16 : Fold expressions and the comma operator
  • Note 17 : A Poor Man's Fold Expression
  • Note 18 : From an array to a pack
  • Note 19 : From an array to a pack with templated lambda
  • Note 20 : Create objects in place for direct use
  • Note 21 : Guidelines for efficient use of templates
  • Note 22 : Put enable_if on the return type
  • Note 23 : enable_if and how to disable a member function
  • Note 24 : How to disable a special member function
• Acronyms
• Bibliography
• Index

Extract

Errata

I'm always interested in issue reports or suggestions for improvements.

I like to thank every reader who pointed errors out.

First edition