What are the differences between a pointer variable and a reference variable in C++?
References:
When a variable is declared as reference, it becomes an alternative name for an existing variable.
Syntax:
Type &newname = existing name;
Initialization:
Type &pointer;
pointer = variable name;
Pointers:
Pointers are used to store the address of variable.
Syntax:
Type *pointer;
Initialization:
Type *pointer;
pointer = variable name;
The main differences between references and pointers are -
- References are used to refer an existing variable in another name whereas pointers are used to store address of variable.
- References cannot have a null value assigned but pointer can.
- A reference variable can be referenced by pass by value whereas a pointer can be referenced but pass by reference
- A reference must be initialized on declaration while it is not necessary in case of pointer.
- A reference shares the same memory address with the original variable but also takes up some space on the stack whereas a pointer has its own memory address and size on the stack.
Published on 28-Feb-2018 11:14:59
