Arizona State University (ASU) CSE100 Principles of Programming with C++ Midterm 1 Practice Exam

Using function templates provides a significant advantage in that they enable code reuse across different data types. This means that a single function template can operate on any data type, whether it be int, double, char, or even user-defined types. By utilizing templates, a programmer does not need to write separate functions for each data type, thereby enhancing maintainability and reducing code duplication.

For example, a function template for a sorting algorithm can be defined once and used to sort arrays of integers, doubles, or any other comparable types without needing multiple implementations. This not only saves time but also makes the codebase cleaner and less prone to errors, as you maintain one implementation rather than several variations.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary advantages of function templates. While memory implications may occur, they are not a direct advantage tied specifically to templates. Similarly, speed and variable count are not inherent benefits of using function templates in the context of code reuse; instead, they prioritize flexibility and reducing redundancy in code.