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What is a non const reference?
A reference is not an object, so we cannot make a reference itself const. I understand now that a const reference to a non const object does have a purpose: to prevent the reference from modifying the object. The non const object can still be modified by other means but not by this const reference.
When should you use a const reference parameter?
When passing an argument by reference, always use a const reference unless you need to change the value of the argument. Non-const references cannot bind to r-values. A function with a non-const reference parameter cannot be called with literals or temporaries.
Is a reference the same as a pointer?
A reference is an alias for another variable whereas a pointer holds the memory address of a variable. References are generally used as function parameters so that the passed object is not the copy but the object itself.
Do you use non const references in C + +?
In Other C++ Features, Reference Arguments of the Google C++ Style Guide, I read that non-const references must not be used. It is clear that looking at function calls that use references as arguments is absolutely confusing for C programmers, but C and C++ are different languages now.
What is the difference between a const pointer and a reference?
A const pointer can point to NULL. A const point can point to an array of objects. A const pointer can be bound again by casting away the constness. Thanks for contributing an answer to Stack Overflow!
When to use pointers vs.references in C + + 11?
Google’s use of pointers versus references might make output parameters clearer, but return values are clearer still. Now that C++11 has standardized moves (rvalue references, &&, to make returns of many types cheap) and tuples (allowing an easy way to return multiple values), many of the use cases for out parameters no longer apply.
How to declare and initialize pointer in C + +?
Initialization: A pointer can be initialized in this way: int a = 10; int *p = &a OR int *p; p = &a we can declare and initialize pointer at same step or in multiple line. 2. While in references, int a=10; int &p=a; //it is correct but int &p p=a; // it is incorrect as we should declare and initialize references at single step.