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I just downloaded the STL source code and I noticed all the definition for the STL template classes are included in the .h file. The actual source code for the function definition is in the .h file rather than .cpp/.c file. What is the reason for this?
Because very few compilers implement linking of templates. It’s hard.
Here’s a brief but (I think) informative article about it: http://www.informit.com/guides/content.aspx?g=cplusplus&seqNum=53
I say “I think” because it’s really not something I’m very familiar with other than that it’s widely unimplemented. I initially said the standard didn’t require it, but looking at the definition of “export” in C++03, I don’t see any indication that it’s optional. Maybe it’s just a failed standard.