How to make this Matrix Class Work?

Question

Suppose I have a Matrix Class defined with a generic template...

So,
template<class Mat>
class Matrix{
private:
Mat **arr;
int row, int col;
//Memory allocation and deallocation is to be assumed in constructors and destructors...
public:
Mat Element(int r,int c)
{return arr[r][c];}
};

Now, I want to use a custom created complex class for the matrix elements...

So, will I have to redeclare the function like this?
Complex Element(int r,int c);
And make a Complex** arr in the private section?

Help me...

Answer 1

I'm not sure exactly what you're going for, but if you want a Matrix of Complex objects, instantiate your matrix like so:

Matrix<Complex> m;

If you want to specialize member functions for Complex objects, then add something like this after your Matrix class:

template<>
void Matrix<Complex>::foo() {
// do something
}

In terms of templates, "overloading" for a specific type is referred to as specialization. You don't need to do this unless your function needs to make exceptional considerations for a specific type. As your class is set up right now, Element should work how you're expecting it to.

Answer 2

@Squidy
Thus, this must be done outside the class...
Is there no way to do it inside?

BTW Thank You!

Answer 3

@Squidy
So on making an object like this:
Matrix<Complex> a(2,2),b(2,2);
Will they multiply according to the rules in the complex class?
If yes, Atleast specialization is not required here...

Answer 4

What I want to know is how to define the overloads for the operations on the complex class elements...