Pointers and References (5) Flashcards
(15 cards)
What are Automatic conversions?
Compiler adds code necessary to create code to automatically convert the value.
When value passed in does equal the param value –> forces it in
What does the explicit keyword do?
Turns off automatic/ implicit conversion
What does const do?
Ensures that the data cannot be modified
What is a pointer?
Variable that contains a memory address as its value
Must be defined before use
Dereference using *
What is &?
Address operator
Applied to a variable to access the address
What is a reference?
Another name for an existing object
What are the major differences between pointers and references?
1) no null references
2) all references require initialization when declared
3) a reference always refers to the object with which it is initialized
What is a reference to a const being initialized with a literal mean?
Usually you cannot set a reference = a literal (a value)
If you say const then it creates an unnamed temp variable
What is pass-by-value?
Creates a copy of the data
Only copy is modified
What is pass-by-reference
Allows original data to be modified
Uses references in func call
How does a func call with const references behave?
Behaves like passing-by-value
Creates temporary variable
Const pointer vs pointer to const?
If const is on the right side of * –> pointer is const
If const is on the left side of * –> pointer is pointing to a const
What type is this in a non-const member function?
X* const
Object to which this refers to can be modified
What type is this in a const member function?
const X * const
Object cannot be modified
What is the advantage of returning a reference to a const object instead of the object?
Returning ref does not invoke copy ctor
