Question

if we have multiple, related functions that all involve identical program logic on different data types, are we better off using overloaded functions or function templates?

Answer 1

Using function templates is generally the preferred method for multiple, related functions operating on different data types to avoid code duplication and increase type safety, compared to overloaded functions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When dealing with multiple related functions that share identical program logic but operate on different data types, both overloaded functions and function templates can be used to achieve the desired outcome. However, function templates are usually the preferred choice in such scenarios because they offer a more elegant and less error-prone solution. Overloading requires writing multiple versions of the same function, one for each data type, which can lead to code duplication and increased maintenance efforts. Function templates, on the other hand, allow you to write a single generic function that the compiler will instantiate for each required data type. This not only reduces the codebase but also enhances type safety, as the compiler ensures that the function works correctly with the data types provided.

Answer 2

If we have multiple, related functions that all involve identical program logic on different data types, function templates would be a better approach than using overloaded functions. Function templates allow us to write generic functions that can work with multiple data types without writing separate implementations for each data type. The code is more concise and easier to maintain.

Step-by-step explanation:

If we have multiple, related functions that all involve identical program logic on different data types, function templates would be a better approach than using overloaded functions.

In C++, function templates allow us to write generic functions that can work with multiple data types without writing separate implementations for each data type. The code is more concise and easier to maintain.

For example, suppose we have functions to add two numbers of different data types - int, float, and double. Instead of writing three separate functions, we can write a single function template that can handle all these data types:

template<typename T>

T add(T a, T b) {

return a + b;

}

int result1 = add<int>(10, 20);

float result2 = add<float>(3.14, 2.718);

double result3 = add<double>(1.2345, 6.789);