Template based C / C++ code generation

Question

Any suggestion for template base code generator for C / C++ specifically to generate repetitive code generation? (Not UML / MATLAB model based or other advanced stuff). For a newbie in this field any good generic tutorial (not tool based)?

I came across GNU Autogen looks good but looks like it needs a steep learning curve. I would prefer some plug-in for eclipse like IDE, easy to use and most importantly good tutorials.

Answer 1

The basic concept of code generation is simple enough - and people's needs are varied enough - that there are quite a few options out there.

• Boost.Preprocessor is a library of functions built on top of the standard C / C++ preprocessor that makes it much easier to use the preprocessor to do code generation. It's not as flexible as other options, and figuring out preprocessor errors can be tricky, but the fact that it uses only standard language features greatly simplifies using it and integrating it into your builds.
• If you know Python, there's Cog.
• Some of Google's projects use Pump.
• There are many general-purpose templating solutions (Python's Genshi, eRuby, etc.). These are often designed for generating HTML and XML but also work for code.
• It's also easy enough to hack something together in the scripting language of your choice.

Without knowing more about what your needs are and what tools you're comfortable with, I can't give a more specific recommendation.

I'm not familiar with anything that provides an Eclipse plugin.

Answer 2

If you know Python, then Cog could be considered as light-weight solution: http://www.python.org/about/success/cog/