C++ LANGUAGE REFERENCES VS POINTERS

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C++ LANGUAGE REFERENCES VS POINTERS

A reference variable is an alias, that is, another name for an already 
existing variable. Once a reference is initialized with a variable, 
either the variable name or the reference name may be used to refer 
to the variable. 


References vs Pointers 



References are often confused with pointers but three major 
differences between references and pointers are: 

• You cannot have NULL references. You must always be able to 
assume that a reference is connected to a legitimate piece of storage. 

• Once a reference is initialized to an object, it cannot be changed to 
refer to another object. Pointers can be pointed to another object at any time. 

• A reference must be initialized when it is created. Pointers can be initialized at any time.