Module 10: Templates in C++

• First read this page then start the module with the GitHub classroom link below.
• Github Classroom Link: https://classroom.github.com/a/7rFKKCjL

Exercise 1: Template Function

In this exercise, you will create a function template in C++ that calculates the sum of elements in an array. The function should be able to handle arrays of any data type that supports addition and initialization to zero.

1. Setup the environment: Review the code in the exercise1 directory in the module10 GitHub repository.
2. Create a function template: In the file exercise1.cpp modify the arraySum function to be a template function that can sum generic types instead of only int.
3. Update the main function: Modify the main function to have multiple calls to the arraySum function with different types, such as double, float, long.
4. Compile and test: Compile and run exercise1.cpp to test your new template function.

Exercise 2: Template Class

In this exercise, you will create a generic stack data structure using C++ templates. The stack should be able to store elements of any data type and provide basic stack operations.

Steps:

1. Setting Up the Environment: Add your code to the exercise2 directory in the module10 GitHub repository.
2. Creating the Stack Header File: Create a new file named StackTemplate.h. Define a class template named StackTemplate. Inside the class, declare a private member variable that will hold the stack elements. Use std::vector<T> as the underlying container. Use the following template declaration:

    template <typename T>
    class StackTemplate 
    {
    public:
        // Class definition goes here
    private:
        std::vector<T> elements;
    };
   

3. Adding Basic Methods: Add the following public methods to the StackTemplate class:
   • bool isEmpty(); - To check if the stack is empty.
   • void push(T element); - To add an element to the top of the stack.
   • T pop(); - To remove and return the top element of the stack. Throw out_of_range exception if stack is empty.
   • T top(); - To get the top element without removing it. Throw out_of_range exception if stack is empty.
4. Implementing the Stack Methods: Create a new file named StackTemplate.cpp. Implement each method you declared in the StackTemplate class. For example:

    template <typename T>
    bool StackTemplate<T>::isEmpty()  
    {
        return elements.empty();
    }
   
    template <typename T>
    void StackTemplate<T>::push(T element) 
    {
        elements.push_back(element);
    }
    // Continue implementing the rest of the methods...
   

5. Include the Implementation: At the end of the StackTemplate.h file, include the implementation file StackTemplate.cpp.
6. Testing Your Stack: Create a main.cpp file. Include the StackTemplate.h file. In the main function, create a StackTemplate<int> instance and test the stack operations. For example:

    int main() 
    {
        StackTemplate<int> intStack;
        intStack.push(10);
        intStack.push(20);
        // Test other methods and print results
        return 0;
    }
   

7. Add try/catch block: Implement exception handling for situations like popping from an empty stack.
8. Other data types: Create stacks with other data types (e.g., StackTemplate<std::string>).
9. Add a method: to return the size of the stack.
10. Create a Makefile: Define your targets and dependencies:
    • all: This target will build your entire project.
    • clean: This target will clean up the object files and the executable.
    • main.o: Target for compiling the main.cpp file.
    • main: Target for compiling the main.cpp and StackTemplate.cpp.
11. Test your program: Use your make file to compile. Then run your program to test.