C++ Templates: The Complete Guide, 2nd Edition

Chapter 10

Basic Template Terminology

So far we have introduced the basic concept of templates in C++. Before we go into details, let’s look at the terminology we use. This is necessary because, inside the C++ community (and even in an early version of the standard), there is sometimes a lack of precision regarding terminology.

10.1 “Class Template” or “Template Class”?

In C++, structs, classes, and unions are collectively called class types. Without additional qualification, the word “class” in plain text type is meant to include class types introduced with either the keyword class or the keyword struct.¹ Note specifically that “class type” includes unions, but “class” does not.

There is some confusion about how a class that is a template is ...