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Creating Reference Variables in C++

A reference variable in C++ is an alias for another variable, allowing it to be referred to by a different name. The syntax for creating a reference is 'Data type& new variable = previous variable'. Unlike pointers, references cannot be NULL, cannot be reassigned to different objects, and must be initialized at the time of creation.

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10 views2 pages

Creating Reference Variables in C++

A reference variable in C++ is an alias for another variable, allowing it to be referred to by a different name. The syntax for creating a reference is 'Data type& new variable = previous variable'. Unlike pointers, references cannot be NULL, cannot be reassigned to different objects, and must be initialized at the time of creation.

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adarshhalse45
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

What is a reference variable?

A reference is defined as an alias for another variable. In short, it is like giving a different
name to a pre-existing variable. Once a reference is initialized to the variable, we can use
either the reference name or the variable to refer to that variable.

Creating references in C++

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The basic syntax to create a reference is -

Data type& new variable = previous variable

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The newly created variable will now refer to the previous variable.

For example -

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int i = 17 // The variable i is declared as 17

Creating the reference of i will be as -

int& x = i // Here x will be called as the integer variable initialised to r

C++ code

#include <iostream>

using namespace std;

int main () {

int i; // Declare variable I as int

double d; // Declare variable d as double type

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// declare reference variables for I and d

int& r = i;// r is reference to i

double& s = d;// s is reference to d

i = 5;

cout << "Value of i : " << i << endl;

cout << "Value of i reference : " << r << endl;

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d = 11.7;

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cout << "Value of d : " << d << endl;

cout << "Value of d reference : " << s << endl;

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return 0;

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Difference between Reference and Pointers

References Pointers

We cannot have a NULL reference. The concept of NULL pointers is allowed.

A reference assigned to a particular object Pointers, on the other hand, can point to different
cant be changed. objects at any time.
A reference is also initialized at the time of Pointers can be initialized at any time.
its creation.

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