|
C++ is a
popular multi-paradigm programming language invented
by Dr. Bjarne
Stroustrup. Generic Programming achieved its first major success
in C++ with
the Standard
Template Library, which has now become part of
the ANSI/ISO C++
Standard. Since then,
most generic libraries are
written in C++.
C++ provides unique abilities to express the ideas of Generic
Programming through templates. Templates provide a form of
parametric polymorphism that allows the expression of generic
algorithms and data structures. The instantiation mechanism
of C++ templates insures that when a generic algorithm or data
structure is used, a fully-optimized and specialized version will be
created and tailored for that particular use, allowing generic
algorithms to be as efficient as their non-generic
counterparts. Additionally, the C++ notion of specialization
allows compile-time selection among alternative algorithms. The
flexibility of C++ templates has made C++ an attractive language for
Generic
Programming, Generative
Programming,
and Template
Metaprogramming.
Although C++ can express most of the ideas of Generic Programming,
doing so relies on careful documentation (see example concepts) and the use of certain C++
template techniques.
|