Question

\(\mathrm{T} \quad \mathrm{F} \quad\) It is possible to overload a function template and an ordinary (nontemplate) function.

Short answer

Explain your answer with an example.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Function Overloading

Function overloading occurs when two or more functions with the same name but different parameters are defined within a program. It allows the programmer to use the same function name for different purposes, making the code more readable and easier to maintain.

Understanding Function Templates

Function templates are an advanced feature of C++ that allows us to create generic functions that work with various data types. Instead of writing a separate function for each data type, we can create a single function template that works with all data types. It uses the template keyword followed by the parameters in angle brackets to define a function template.

Analyzing the Statement

The given statement says that it is possible to overload a function template and an ordinary (nontemplate) function. When overloading a function template with a regular function, the compiler chooses between the available options based on the best match for the input parameters provided when the function is called.

Providing an Example

Let's provide an example to illustrate the concept: #include // Function Template template void display(T value) { std::cout << "Function template called: " << value << std::endl; } // Ordinary (nontemplate) Function void display(int value) { std::cout << "Ordinary function called: " << value << std::endl; } int main() { int a = 5; double b = 3.14; // Function with an int parameter display(a); // Calls the ordinary (nontemplate) function display // Function with a double parameter display(b); // Calls the function template display return 0; } In this example, both the function template `display(T value)` and the ordinary (nontemplate) function `display(int value)` are overloaded. When calling the function with an int parameter (display(a)), the ordinary function is called, while for other data types (display(b)), the function template is called.

Revisiting the Statement

Based on the explanation and example provided, we can conclude that the statement "\(\mathrm{T} \quad \mathrm{F} \quad\) It is possible to overload a function template and an ordinary (nontemplate) function" is True (\(\mathrm{T}\)).

Key concepts

Function Templates

Function templates are a fundamental aspect of C++ that facilitate generic programming. Rather than writing multiple versions of a function for different data types, a programmer can create a single template to handle various types. This is done using the template keyword, followed by template parameters encased in angle brackets.

For example, consider a function that performs the same action on different types of data. Instead of writing separate functions for int, double, or string, a template function can be created:

template <typename T>void show(T value) {  // Implementation...}

Now, when a function call is made, the compiler generates an appropriate function instance by substituting the template parameter T with the actual type passed. This illustrative approach not only saves time but also reduces code redundancy and errors.

Overload Resolution

Overload resolution is the process the C++ compiler uses to select the most appropriate function to call when multiple overloaded functions are available. This selection is based on the number and type of arguments provided. Overload resolution is crucial when multiple functions share the same name but differ in the parameters they accept.

Rules of Overload Resolution

• The number of arguments must match.
• The type of arguments must be compatible.
• If all else is equal, preference is given to non-template functions over template ones.

An ordinary function will be chosen over a template if its signature exactly matches the types of the arguments in the function call. This particular behavior is essential to understand, as it affects how the functions are used and which version gets executed during runtime.

Generic Programming

Generic programming is an approach to design algorithms and data structures in a way that they can work with any data type. It strives to write code that is reusable and not limited to a specific data type. In C++, function templates are instrumental in achieving such generic solutions.

For instance, a generic swap function can be written like this:

template <typename T>void swap(T& x, T& y) {  T temp = x;  x = y;  y = temp;}

Now the swap function can be used with any type, as long as the type supports copying and assigning, illustrating the power of generic programming to create flexible and reusable code.

Function Template and Non-template Function Overloading

In C++, it is quite permissible to overload a function template with a non-template function. The distinction between the two comes into play during the overload resolution phase of compiling. When a specific type matches the non-template function, that version is invoked. Otherwise, a suitable template specialization is used.

As shown in the exercise provided, a template function and a non-template function can coexist:

// Function Templatetemplate <typename T>void display(T value) {  // Function template code}// Non-template Functionvoid display(int value) {  // Non-template function code}

When calling display with an int, the non-template version is called due to the exact match. This technique allows fine-tuning of function behavior for specific data types while providing a generic backup for all others.