Explicit template instantiation through a typedef

Question

If I have

typedef Foo<float> Foof;

why can't I explicitly instantiate the template like this

template class Foof;

and is there a workaround apart from typing Foo<float>?

Answer 1

and is there a workaround apart from typing Foo?

No, unfortunately there isn't. You have to type Foo<float>. As to why, see 14.7.2 clause 3 of the C++ standard for the rule (I don't know the rationale behind the rule though).