Problems writing a function template for a map of object pointers

Question

I have a function template to print a map of string with object pointers:

//template function to print map of pointers
template <class T2>
void printMap(std::map<string, T2*>&_map)
{
    //test print line
    cout << "Test function template for map print" << endl;
    std::map<string, T2*>::iterator iter;
    for (iter = _map.begin(); iter != _map.end(); iter++)
    {
        //call print function for type
        iter->second->print();
    }
}

I am trying to implement it:

printMap<myObject>(std::map<string, myObject*>&myMapOfObjects);

I am getting

"error type name is not allowed"

I am also getting an error on the linux server that a ; is expected before iter and that iter is undeclared.

I have tested the files with a basic function template and the functions are being passed to the file, it's just the way I written this function, it's not happy with what I am doing. I have been working on this for a few days now and am unable to find the solution, I am sure it is obvious to experienced programmers, thanks.

Another question: can I pass string as a separate type, so have T1 and T2, template<class T1, class T2> so I can use the template for all sorts of maps, ie with ints?

Answer 1

Your syntax is wrong for calling the function. You can do so simply like this:

printMap(myMapOfObjects);

And the compiler will deduce the template arguments. Or, if you'd rather be explicit about it:

printMap<myObject>(myMapOfObjects);

The std::map<string, myObject*>& text does not belong in the invocation.