16. References

• A C++ reference is like a pointer, except:

  • Usage syntax is like an object

  • References always refer to something

  • References can't be reassigned to something else

• This is enforced by:

  • Requiring initialization in case of variables

  • The implicit reference initialization in case of function parameters

• No syntax exists to changing the referent (the object that a reference is pointing to)

• Once instantiated, the reference becomes eternal synonym for an object or a variable