OOPS - Why use references when pointers can do everything references can do?

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Why use references when pointers can do everything references can do?

Total Answers and Comments: 5

Last Update: October 09, 2007 Asked by: supriya ahire

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March 27, 2006 00:32:40

rajat kumar patel

RE: Why use references when pointers can do everything...

in references to memory block

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March 27, 2006 02:04:23

Vedika

RE: Why use references when pointers can do everything...

References are used when the refered variable cotent are constants. Where as the content of pointer variable are variant may change. So where a constant reference to a variable is required references are used instead of opinters. Best example is in copy constructors one has to use references instead of pointers.

Regards,

Vedika

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April 05, 2006 07:07:39

sanneeta

RE: Why use references when pointers can do everything...

using pointers are more complex, while using references are simpler to understand.

The indirection is hidden, and there is no need to repeatedly dereference the variable in case of references.

Though pointers are difficult to use, they offer more flexibility. References cannot be null and they cannot be reassigned.

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May 09, 2006 06:00:06

lakshmi narasimha rao

RE: Why use references when pointers can do everything...

pointers can do everything but it isdifficult & complex when compare to references.

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October 09, 2007 15:38:51

Visitor

RE: Why use references when pointers can do everything...

With pointers you can do pointer arithmatic like increment or decrement the pointer.

You cant do that with reference.

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