When should i use references, and when ought to use pointers, C/C++ Programming

Assignment Help:

A: Use references when you can use, and use pointers when you have to.

References are generally preferred over pointers whenever you don't require "reseating". Usually this means that references are most useful in class's public interface. Typically references appear on the skin of an object, & pointers on the inside.

The exception to the above is where a function's parameter or return value require a "sentinel" reference a reference which does not refer to an object. Usually this is best done by returning/taking a pointer, & giving the NULL pointer this special significance (references must always alias objects, not dereferenced NULL pointer).

Note: Old line C programmers sometimes don't like references as they provide reference semantics which isn't explicit in the caller's code. However, after some C++ experience, one quickly realizes it is a form of information hiding, which is an asset instead of a liability. E.g., programmers must write code in the language of the problem instead of the language of the machine.

 


Related Discussions:- When should i use references, and when ought to use pointers

I need voting bot, Project Description: Seeking a Voting Bot Script / Pr...

Project Description: Seeking a Voting Bot Script / Program Skills required are ASP, Javascript, C Programming, PHP, Software Architecture

Inside and outside type casting, depth description of the inside and outsid...

depth description of the inside and outside typecasting

When should you use multiple inheritance, There are 3 acceptable answers: "...

There are 3 acceptable answers: "Never," "Rarely "and" When the problem domain cannot be accurately modelled any other way."

Explain operators, Operators The variables, which are declared and expl...

Operators The variables, which are declared and explained, are the operands, which are operated upon by the operators. Operators specify what operations are to be performed on

Write the recursive bisection root finding function, Rewrite the recursive...

Rewrite the recursive bisection root finding function from lecture to be iterative (using a while loop). The function declaration should be root = bisectIter(f,a,b,tol). The input

Introduction of computer and programming concept, Classify computer system ...

Classify computer system according to capacity. How they are different from computers according to the classification of technology. Provide comparative study also.

C CODING, HOW THE C PROGRAM CODING IMPLEMENTED DY ITSELF UNDERSTANDING . AL...

HOW THE C PROGRAM CODING IMPLEMENTED DY ITSELF UNDERSTANDING . ALSO HOW I CAN A BECOME A GOOD PROGRAMMER IN C WHAT I DO FOR GOOD PROGRAMMING ,TELL ME HOW C CODING DEVELOP DY ITSELF

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd