References in C++

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When a variable is declared as a reference, it becomes an alternative name for an existing variable. A variable can be declared as a reference by putting ‘&’ in the declaration.

#include<iostream>
using std::cout; using std::endl;


void swap ( int &x, int & y){

int temp = x;
x = y;
y = temp;

}
int main(){

int x = 0;
int y = 10;
cout << "Before Swap: " << "X: " << x << " Y: " << y <<endl;
swap (x,y);

cout << "After Swap: " << "X: " << x << " Y: " << y <<endl;

}

Output

Before Swap: X: 0 Y: 10
After Swap: X: 10 Y: 0

inserting an Image

We can use the & Operator to find the address of the reference

#include<iostream>
using std::cout; using std::endl;


int main(){

int a = 10;
int &b = a;

int c = 100;
b = c;

cout << " Value of a: " << a << endl
    << " Value of b: " << b << endl
    << " Value of c: " << c << endl;


cout << "Location of a: " << &a <<endl;
cout << "Location of b: " << &b << endl;
cout << "Location of c: " << &c << endl;
}

Output

Value of a: 100
Value of b: 100
Value of c: 100
Location of a: 0x7ffee076272c
Location of b: 0x7ffee076272c
Location of c: 0x7ffee076271c

inserting an Image

Extra on Pointers vs a reference in C++

inserting an Image