ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Template metaprogramming

Template metaprogramming is when we use templates in C++ programming to do math problems and other cool tricks. It's like using a magic wand to solve problems in math and programming.

Just like how we use numbers and symbols like + and - to solve math problems, we use templates and symbols like < and > in template metaprogramming. The templates act like patterns or formulas, and we can use them to generate code or values for our programs.

For example, we can create a template that doubles a number. If we put the number 4 into this template, it would give us the answer 8. It's like a quick way to do math without having to write out all the steps.

Template metaprogramming can also help us write very efficient code because it doesn't waste time doing unnecessary calculations. It's like only doing the steps we need to get to the answer.

So, template metaprogramming is like a secret tool in programming that lets us use templates to do math problems and make our code more efficient. It's a really cool trick that programmers use to make amazing software!