In C++, uniform initialization provides a convenient way to initialize objects using curly braces {}. This syntax is not only applicable to built-in types and user-defined classes, but also to template classes. In this blog post, we will explore how to use uniform initialization with template classes in C++.

Initializing template classes with uniform initialization

When initializing a template class using uniform initialization, you can provide the template arguments within angular brackets < > after the class name. The template arguments specify the types of the template parameters defined in the class template.

Let’s consider a simple example of a template class Pair that stores two values of potentially different types:

template<typename T1, typename T2>
class Pair {
public:
    T1 first;
    T2 second;

    Pair(const T1& f, const T2& s) : first(f), second(s) {}
};

To initialize an object of the Pair class using uniform initialization, you can specify the template arguments and provide the values for the object’s members within curly braces:

Pair<int, std::string> pair = {42, "Hello"};

In the above example, we are initializing an instance of the Pair class with int as the first template argument and std::string as the second template argument.

Benefits of uniform initialization with template classes

Using uniform initialization with template classes brings several benefits:

1. Improved readability

Uniform initialization makes the initialization code more readable and concise. By using curly braces, you provide a clear separation between the template arguments and object member values.

2. Type deduction

With uniform initialization, the compiler can deduce the template arguments automatically based on the provided values. This eliminates the need to explicitly specify the template arguments in most cases, making the code more flexible and reducing verbosity.

3. Consistency

Uniform initialization provides a consistent syntax for initializing various types of objects, including template classes. This promotes code uniformity and improves maintainability.

Conclusion

Uniform initialization in C++ is a powerful feature that simplifies the initialization of objects, including template classes. By using curly braces to provide the template arguments and object member values, you can improve code readability, benefit from type deduction, and ensure consistency in your codebase. Consider using uniform initialization when working with template classes to enhance your C++ programming experience.

References:

• C++ Templates
• C++ Uniform initialization