Most important things about C++ templates… lesson learned

Question

What are most important things you know about templates: hidden features, common mistakes, best and most useful practices, tips...common mistakes/oversight/assumptions

Answer 1

I've used c++ and templates a lot, including more advanced template metaprogramming and my feeling is that their usefulness is overrated. They were originally added to the c++ language, well after the creation of c++, to tack on a generic programming capability. This simply allows one to focus on the logic of the code without regard for types, potentially making code clearer and reusable.

My programming philosophy is to understand the original purpose and design of the language and it's features in order to really appreciate the language. I feel template metaprogramming is bastardization of templates and should be avoided. Templates are however useful for defining higher level generic types such as the case of Tuples.