C++ Templates and the STL

Introduction

C++ added two powerful new programming styles to C. The first and most famous is object-orientation, and the second is template-based programming, sometimes known as generic programming. Although templates are covered in our basic C++ courses, the focus there tends to be on how the needs of object-oriented C++ are satified by library provisions that are frequently template-based, so this separate course is offered as a supplement. There is a second purpose to this course: to cover, in detail, the template classes and template functions of the standard library (known historically as the Standard Template Library or STL). These offer a powerful illustration of template design and most people will find that they need them at some time or other.

Duration and Construction

The course lasts one day, starting at 09.30 and finishing at 17.00. The delivery is via lecture, discussions and practical exercises.

Intended Audience

Participants should already have a good knowledge of C++ and object technology. Ideally they will have attended the Advanced C++ (C++ Traps and Pitfalls) course.

Aims

To understand how templates provide type-safe, reusable code
To understand C++'s template facilities
To understand the differences between, and synergy between, generaic (template-based) programming and object-orientation
To become familiar with the elegant and powerful examples of template design provided by the Standard Template Library
To beome aware of the provisions of the Standard Template Library (STL), including containers, iterators, algorithms, function objects, predicate function objects and adapters

Deliverables

Lectures
Facilitation of discussions
Direction, assistance and feedback in practicals
Proposed solutions to the practicals
Copies of lecture slides, plus explanatory text and summaries
Reference list of books and sources

Numbers

We recommend that there are no more than 10 participants, with the best results usually obtained when there are at least 5 participants.

The difficulties of efficiently coding true abstract data types in a type-safe manner
Template classes
Template functions
Template member functions
The auto_ptr template class
The organization of the STL
Performance and the STL
The STL containers
The STL iterators
The STL algorithms
Function objects and predicate function objects

Site Requirements

One PC with Visual C++ (version 6 or .NET), per participant (including one for the lecturer), preferably networked and with a printer
Data projector of at least 1024 x 768 resolution, and suitable screen
White-board, preferably not doubling up as the OHP's screen; blackboard and chalk are acceptable
Flip-chart and easel, with additional flip-chart paper

Contacting

Please contact Matrice by telephone on +44 7010 704705; by fax on +44 7010 704706; by emailing bookings@matrice.co.uk; or by visiting http://www.matrice.co.uk