Question

I’m not interested in concrete values, but just theoretical answers.

1. For example, in loops when we need
   to use the same values over and
   over, would it work faster if values
   would be passed by reference instead
   of value?

2. And what about objects? Assuming
   that our object contains some values
   for this specific instance of an
   object. Instead of instantiating new
   object, can we pass it by reference
   to gain performance wise? Or should
   we clone it?

I hope I’ve made myself clear, thanks in advance.

Answer 1

If all you are interested in is performance, then as a general rule, pass by reference performs better than pass by value.