Function Specialization

Question

I try to figure out what is difference between this to function.

First one is template function for adding to expression :

template <class T,class Y,class Z>
Z add(T t,Y y)
{
  return t+y;
}

Specialization_1 :

template<>
int add<int,int,int>(int t,int y)
{

    return t+y+10000;
}

Specialization_2 :

int add(int t,int y)
{

    return t+y+10000;
}

What difference is between speciaization_1 and specialization_2 ? Is it necessary to use template<> before declaration????

Template can be used with anyType while your function works only with `int` — Coldsteel48, Apr 07 '14 at 22:23
I know why we have to use template but I asked about difference betweeen spec_1 and spec_2 — Radek, Apr 07 '14 at 22:30
possible duplicate of [Differences between template specialization and overloading for functions?](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1511935/differences-between-template-specialization-and-overloading-for-functions) — Constructor, Apr 07 '14 at 22:34

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Apr 07 '14 at 22:29

2

the first is Specialization. the second is overloading.

the first will create a special varient of the template. and the second will create another function with the same name

answered Apr 07 '14 at 22:29

asaf app

SO when is better to use specialization over overloading ? – Radek Apr 07 '14 at 22:32
this may helphttp://stackoverflow.com/questions/7108033/template-specialization-vs-function-overloading – asaf app Apr 07 '14 at 22:36

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Apr 07 '14 at 22:29

0

I don't see interest in your first specialization. this is more useful for example:

template <typename T>
T add(T t,T y)
{
  return t+y+10000;
}

Now you can use this function add for many differents type.

answered Apr 07 '14 at 22:29

Julien Leray

2 Answers2