whatIsThisFor
Check out this C++ code fragment at the beginning of the MessageBase class template definition:
After staring at it for a few minutes, I was able to distill the essence of the idiom(???) used in the code as:
I can’t figure out why B was designed as a class template and not just a plain ole’ class that simply inherits from A (see below). It reminds me a little of the CRTP idiom but it’s not the same. Would you happen to know what problems it is intended to solve? Is it some template meta-programming technique?
Categories: C++, uml
c++, class diagram, CRTP, linkedin, programming, Template metaprogramming
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Why am I here?
WTF?
Meh!
D'oh!
My BTC Address
In and of itself it is not a metaprogramming technique. It can, however, form the basis for one (see mpl::inherit_linearly).
There’s actually a lot of uses for this kind of thing though admittedly they’re all rather rare to run into. Here’s one example where I apply it: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/4688138/initializing-the-base-class-to-a-derived-base-class/4688402#4688402
No idea if they used my first or second idea but there you go…an application of the technique.
Thanks for the valiant try CE, but I’m still confused 🙂
Thinking out loud: B “is an” A, and B also uses another A for some purpose.
Well, perhaps you’d understand better if you grabbed yourself a copy of “Modern C++ Design” by Alexandrescu. He describes “Policy Based Design” and the implementations look very much like the code that’s confusing you. I thought there was an excerpt of that part online but I couldn’t find it anywhere now. The book should be on any C++ developer’s shelf anyway.
Ah yes, Mr. “Loki”. I do have his book on my list and am planning to read it after I finish “C++ Templates: The Complete Guide”. Thanks for your help.