Template Specialization in Separate Files

How do I handle template specialization when using separate implementation files?

Handling template specialization with separate implementation files can be tricky, but it's doable with the right approach. Let's walk through the process step by step.

Declaration in Header File

First, declare both the primary template and its specializations in the header file:

// MyTemplate.h
#pragma once

template <typename T>
class MyTemplate {
public:
    void foo();
};

// Declare specialization
template <>
class MyTemplate<int> {
public:
    void foo();
};

Implementation in Separate File

Next, implement both the primary template and specializations in a separate .cpp file:

// MyTemplate.cpp
#include "MyTemplate.h"
#include <iostream>

template <typename T>
void MyTemplate<T>::foo() {
    std::cout << "General template\n";
}

// Implement specialization
void MyTemplate<int>::foo() {
    std::cout << "Specialized for int\n";
}

// Explicit instantiation
template class MyTemplate<double>;

Note the explicit instantiation at the end. This is crucial for making the template available to other translation units.

Usage

Now you can use your template in other files:

// main.cpp
#include "MyTemplate.h"

int main() {
  MyTemplate<double> d;
  d.foo();  // Outputs: "General template"

  MyTemplate<int> i;
  i.foo();  // Outputs: "Specialized for int"
}
General template
Specialized for int

Potential Pitfalls

  1. Forgetting explicit instantiation can lead to linker errors.
  2. If you add new specializations, you need to update both the header and implementation files.

Best Practices

  • Keep all specializations in the same header and implementation files as the primary template for better organization.
  • Use explicit instantiation for commonly used types to reduce compilation times in large projects.
  • Consider using export declarations (if supported by your compiler) for more complex scenarios.

Remember, while this approach works, it's often simpler to keep template definitions in header files, especially for smaller projects. Only move to separate implementation files if you have a specific need, such as reducing compilation times in large projects.

Templates and Header Files

Learn how to separate class templates into declarations and definitions while avoiding common linker errors

Questions & Answers

Answers are generated by AI models and may not have been reviewed. Be mindful when running any code on your device.

Template Performance: Inline vs. Separate Files
Are there performance differences between inline template definitions and separate implementation files?
Nested Template Classes in Separate Files
How do I handle nested template classes when separating declarations and definitions?
Extern Templates with Separate Files
What are the implications of using extern templates with separate implementation files?
Concepts and Constraints with Separate Files
How can I use concepts and constraints with template classes split across files?
Compile-Time Optimizations for Separate Templates
Are there any compile-time optimizations I can use with separated template implementations?
Precompiled Headers with Template Classes
Can I use precompiled headers with template classes split across files?
Or Ask your Own Question
Get an immediate answer to your specific question using our AI assistant