C++ Primer, Fifth Edition

16.2.1. Conversions and Template Type Parameters

As with a nontemplate function, the arguments we pass in a call to a function template are used to initialize that function’s parameters. Function parameters whose type uses a template type parameter have special initialization rules. Only a very limited number of conversions are automatically applied to such arguments. Rather than converting the arguments, the compiler generates a new instantiation.

As usual, top-level consts (§ 2.4.3, p. 63) in either the parameter or the argument are ignored. The only other conversions performed in a call to a function template are

• const conversions: A function ...