Chapter 5
Functions for All Subtasks
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Value and Reference Parameters
Functions can
return no value
type void
return exactly one value
return statement
function type
return more than one value
type void
reference parameters
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Function to compute sum and average
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Function to compute sum and average (continued)
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Function computeSumAve
Two input parameters
num1, num2
Two output parameters
sum, average
& indicates output parameters
Function call
computeSumAve(x, y, sum, mean);
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Argument Correspondence
Corresponds to
Actual Argument Formal Argument
x num1 (input)
y num2 (input)
sum sum (output)
mean average (output)
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Call-by-Value and Call-by-Reference
Parameters
& between type and identifier defines a
parameter as output mode (pass by reference)
no & in a parameter’s declaration identifies input
mode (pass by value)
Compiler uses info in parameter declaration list
to set up correct argument-passing
mechanism
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Data areas after call to computeSumAve (before execution)
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Data areas after execution of computeSumAve
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Notes on Call-by-Reference
Place the & only in the formal parameter list -
not in the actual parameter list
Place the & also in the prototype:
void computeSumAve(float, float, float&, float&);
Note that this is a void function
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When to Use a Reference or a Value
Parameter
If information is to be passed into a function and
doesn’t have to be returned or passed out of the
function, then the formal parameter representing
that information should be a value parameter
(input parameter)
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When to Use a Reference or a Value
Parameter
If information is to be returned to the calling
function through a parameter, then the formal
parameter representing that information must be
a reference parameter (output parameter).
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When to Use a Reference or a Value
Parameter
If information is to be passed into a function,
perhaps modified, and a new value returned,
then the formal parameter representing that
information must be a reference parameter
(input/output parameter)
Note: C++ does not distinguish between output
parameters and input/output parameters
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Program Style
Formal parameter list often written on multiple
lines to improve readability.
Value parameters first, followed by reference
parameters
Comment each parameter to identify its use
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Function to order three numbers
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Function to order three numbers (continued)
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