How Can I Visualize C Template Code Instantiation Using Clang?

Visualizing Compiler-Instantiated Template Code in C

Often, developers want to scrutinize the compiler-generated code for function templates or class templates to delve deeper into the compiler's interpretation of their code. This is particularly true when using complex templates.

Clang's AST Pretty-Printing

One comprehensive solution lies in utilizing Clang (https://clang.llvm.org/), a modern and feature-rich C compiler front-end. Clang offers an invaluable tool for visualizing instantiated template code.

Consider the code snippet below:

<code class="cpp">template <class T>
T add(T a, T b) {
    return a + b;
}</code>

When compiling test.cpp containing:

<code class="cpp">template <class T>
T add(T a, T b) {
    return a + b;
}

void tmp() {
    add<int>(10, 2); 
}</code>

Use the following command to pretty-print the instantiated code:

$ clang++ -Xclang -ast-print -fsyntax-only test.cpp

Output:

template <class T> T add(T a, T b) {
    return a + b;
}
template<> int add<int>(int a, int b) {
    return a + b;
}
void tmp() {
    add<int>(10, 2);
}

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