What are some advanced examples of using const references in C++?

What are some advanced examples of using const references in C++?

Const references in C++ allow you to pass large objects without copying them. For example, consider a function that takes a const reference to a vector.

Can you show me a code snippet for that?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

#include <iostream>
#include <vector>

void printVector(const std::vector<int>& vec) {
    for (const auto& val : vec) {
        std::cout << val << ' ';
    }
    std::cout << std::endl;
}

int main() {
    std::vector<int> myVec = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};
    printVector(myVec);
    return 0;
}

What are the benefits of using const references?

Using const references avoids unnecessary copying of objects, which can improve performance, especially with large data structures.

Are there any limitations to using const references?

Yes, you cannot modify the object being referenced through a const reference, which is a key aspect of its design.