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

Cin, how we use the cin command and why we use this command????

how we use the cin command and why we use this command????

Sequence for DMA controller, Write a sequence of instructions that transfer...

Write a sequence of instructions that transfers data from memory to an external I/O device by using channel 3 of the 8237 DMA controller. Transfer from 20000H-20FFFH.

Define the assignment operators in c language, Define the Assignment Operat...

Define the Assignment Operators in c language? The assignment operators can be used to assign a value to the variable and is represented by equal to (=) sign. The Assignment ex

Loop statement, write a c++ program to accept 3 numbers and find the larges...

write a c++ program to accept 3 numbers and find the largest of 3 numbers

Contacts manager data and image facebook sync, Project Description: coll...

Project Description: collect / modify person records / photo images/ lookup / facebook iphone and ipad App basic function : 1 user will configure facebook connection

Pro, em Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters,...

em Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ''Content here, content here'', making it look like readable English. Many desktop publis

Lexicographic permutation, Ask questioGiven an integer n and a permutation ...

Ask questioGiven an integer n and a permutation of numbers 1, 2 ... , n-1, n write a program to print the permutation that lexicographically precedes the given input permutation. I

Array, If an array holds integer, each of which is four bytes long, how man...

If an array holds integer, each of which is four bytes long, how many bytes from the base location of the array is the location of the fifth element?

Program of conversion from basic to user-defined variable, Conversion from ...

Conversion from Basic to User-Defined variable Consider the following example. class Distance                  {                   public  :

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