(ref.doc)template advantages

Template advantages
by James Coggins, in cppR 5/2


1. Template names are scoped

2. The scopes of template definition and template instantiation are
   separate, and the location where the template is used can only
   affect the template through its formal parameters

3. Specialization lets the programmer extend the range of template
   types beyond what could be handled by a simple-minded "macro"
   system

4. Specialization lets the programmer provide additional semantics for
   template argument types that require such capabilities

5. Template functions need not be instantiated if they are unneeded

6. User specializations need to be provided only when the program uses
   them, and error messages from the compiler usually tell the
   programmer when they must be provided

7. (dream) A clever compiler can take advantage of code commonality to
   eliminate redundant routines (though a clever programmer won't
   depend on it)

8. The source code looks just like any other source code, and can be
   manipulated with the usual debuggers and browsers