Question

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Difference between pointer variable and reference variable in C++

When should I declare my variables as pointers vs objects passed-by-reference? They compile to the same thing in assembly (at least run-time asymptotically) so when should I use which?

void foo(obj* param)
void foo(obj& param)

Answer 1

My rule is simple: use * when you want to show that value is optional and thus can be 0.

Excluding from the rule: all the _obj_s around are stored in containers and you don’t want to make your code look ugly by using everywhere foo(*value); instead of foo(value);
So then to show that value can’t be 0 put assert(value); at the function begin.