C++ References

A reference variable is an alternative name for an existing variable. Instead of creating a new copy, references allow direct interaction with the original data.

Declaring a Reference

A reference is created using the & operator, linking it to an existing variable.

Example: Creating a Reference

string bike = "Harley-Davidson";  // Original variable  
string &brand = bike;  // Reference to bike  

string bike = "Harley-Davidson";  // Original variable  

string &brand = bike;  // Reference to bike  

​

Now, both bike and brand refer to the same memory location.

Accessing a Reference

References behave identically to the original variable.

Example: Using a Reference

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    string bike = "Harley-Davidson";  
    string &brand = bike;  

    cout << bike << "\n";  // Outputs Harley-Davidson  
    cout << brand << "\n";  // Outputs Harley-Davidson  

    return 0;
}

#include <iostream>

using namespace std;

​

int main() {

    string bike = "Harley-Davidson";  

    string &brand = bike;  

​

    cout << bike << "\n";  // Outputs Harley-Davidson  

    cout << brand << "\n";  // Outputs Harley-Davidson  

​

    return 0;

}

​

Both variables point to the same data, meaning changes made to one affect the other.

Why Use References?

References allow:

• Efficient variable management without unnecessary copying.
• Direct access to modify the original variable.
• Clean syntax for handling data in functions.