C++ Primer Plus

Template Function Evolution

In the early days of C++, most people didn’t envision how powerful and useful template functions and template classes would prove to be. (Probably they didn’t even expend their envisionary powers on the topic.) But clever and dedicated programmers pushed the limits of template techniques and expanded the ideas of what was possible. Feedback from those who developed familiarity with templates led to changes that were incorporated into the C++98 Standard as well as the addition of the Standard Template Library. Since then, template programmers have continued to explore the possibilities offered by the genre, and occasionally they bump up against limitations. Their feedback has led to some changes in the C++11 Standard. ...