C++ Templates Destroyed My Computer: A Cautionary Tale

As a programmer, I thought I had my life all figured out. I'd learned to code in different languages and fancied myself something of an expert. That is until the day C++ templates destroyed my computer and life as I knew it.

It all started when I decided to organize my code into reusable types. Being the meticulous programmer that I am, I decided to use C++ templates to achieve this. After all, templates are supposed to be a powerful tool for programming.

Programmer at work

I spent hours poring over documentation and tinkering with my code. Eventually, I had my perfect templates. I was thrilled!

That feeling of elation only lasted long enough for me to hit the "run" button. My computer began to slow down, and then, in a matter of minutes, it crashed entirely.

I tried to restart it, but all my files were gone. Even my backups were corrupted. It was as if my computer had suddenly decided to self-destruct.

Dead computer

I didn't know what to do. I had lost everything: my code, my projects, and even my bookmarks. It was a dark day for me indeed.

It wasn't until much later that I discovered the true cause of my computer's meltdown. It turned out that my use of C++ templates had caused a stack overflow, which caused my computer's memory to become so full that it crashed.

Stack overflow

But why did nobody warn me about the dangers of C++ templates? Why was I allowed to learn about them without any warnings or disclaimers about the danger they posed?

It was a mystery to me, but one thing was for sure: I would never use C++ templates again. Instead, I'd stick to more tried-and-tested methods of coding. After all, why take the risk when there are simpler, safer alternatives out there?

Say no to C++ templates poster

In conclusion, the danger of C++ templates cannot be underestimated. As I learned the hard way, they have the power to destroy your computer and turn your life upside down. So, if you're a programmer looking to get into templates, be warned – and don't say I didn't tell you so.

Humorous cartoon of a programmer chasing a computer with a template