Question

As a general rule, use references in function parameters and return
types to define attractive interfaces. Use pointers to implement
algorithms and data structures.

I read this line in an article.I had the doubt of why reference cannot be used in algorithms and datastructures?

Please help me undestand why is it.

Answer 1

Because a reference can’t be made to refer to any other object after it’s been initialised to refer to a particular one.

As proof, §8.5.3.2 of the Standard says

A reference cannot be changed to refer to another object after
initialization. Note that initialization of a reference is treated
very differently from assignment to it. Argument passing (5.2.2) and
function value return (6.6.3) are initializations.

Data structures and algorithms (though to a lesser extent) usually involve adding, removing, and reordering objects within themselves. With references you cannot do this, so you use pointers to do it inexpensively.