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

Student, Ask4. Write a query to display the columns listed below. The query...

Ask4. Write a query to display the columns listed below. The query should list each customer in which the video rental is overdue. The Days_Overdue column should calculate the numb

Luminous Jewels - The Polishing Game, Byteland county is very famous for lu...

Byteland county is very famous for luminous jewels. Luminous jewels are used in making beautiful necklaces. A necklace consists of various luminous jewels of particular colour. Nec

#title. c program on pebble merchant, #questThere is a pebble merchant. He ...

#questThere is a pebble merchant. He sells the pebbles, that are used for shining the floor. His main duty is to take the length of the room’s sides. But he sometimes mistakes doin

CptS 121 Program Development & Design program design in C, Write a program...

Write a program that performs character processing on 10 characters read in from a file, and writes the results to output files. Do NOT use loops or arrays to solve this problem. N

Function, give an example of function

give an example of function

Described inline function?, A: The inline keyword tells the compiler to sub...

A: The inline keyword tells the compiler to substitute the code in the function de_nition for each instance of a function call. Though, substitution takes place only at the compile

What are compound statements, What are compound statements? - Compound ...

What are compound statements? - Compound statements are made up of two or more program statements that are executed together. They may be executed with a loop. - Curly brack

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