Upcoming Event: CSEM Student Forum

Modern C++: Template Metaprogramming

Raymond Park, CSEM Graduate Student

Abstract

Compile-time programming has gained significant traction in the gaming, embedded systems, and high-frequency trading industries as a method to offload logic from execution (run-time) to translation (compile-time), achieving true zero-runtime overhead. While templates have been part of C++ since its early stages, modern standards (C++11 through C++17) have transformed them into a robust engine for compile-time calculation.
Template Metaprogramming (TMP) leverages the Turing-completeness of the C++ template system, treating data types as "first-class data" to generate optimized code structures before the binary even runs. 

 

This talk explores the significance of compile-time logic and demonstrates essential TMP techniques through practical examples—ranging from classic compile-time factorial computations to the generation of prime numbers using a compile-time Sieve of Eratosthenes.

Biography

Raymond graduated from University of Texas at Austin in 2023, majoring in Chemical Engineering and Mathematics. He received his Master's at Rice University in 2025, majoring in Applied Mathematics. His research focuses on numerical partial differential equations (PDEs), high-order discontinuous Galerkin methods for hyperbolic PDEs, and structure preserving numerical schemes. He is also interested in template metaprogramming and exploring modern C++ features. In his free time, he practices the cello and piano.