How to write a function template

A function template should be written at the beginning of the program in the global area, or you may place it into a header file. All function templates begin with a template declaration.

The syntax is :

• The C++ keyword template
• A left angle bracket ( < )
• A comma separates a list of generic types, each one. A generic type having of two parts

1. the keyword class ( this usage of class has nothing to do with the key word class used to make user-defined type.)

2. a variable that shows some generic type, and will be used whenever this type requires to be written in the function definition. Typically the name T is used, but any valid C++ name will do.

• A right angle bracket ( > ).

e.g.

template < class T>

T max(char x, char y)

                 {

                                return ( x > y) ? x : y ;

                 }

                void main()

                {

                  cout << max( 1,2) << endl;

                  cout << max( 5.62,3.48) << endl;

                  cout << max('A','a') << endl;

                  cout << max( 4,3) << endl;

                }

The output is :

                                                2

                                                5.62

                                                a

                                                6