What are the use cases for const references in C++?

What are the use cases for const references in C++?

Const references in C++ are used to avoid copying large objects, ensuring efficiency while maintaining immutability.

Can you give me an example of when to use a const reference?

Sure! When passing a large object like a vector or a class instance to a function, use a const reference to prevent unnecessary copies.

Are there any downsides to using const references?

One downside is that you cannot modify the object through a const reference, which may not be suitable for all scenarios.

How does it compare to using pointers?

Const references provide a cleaner syntax and avoid null pointer issues, but pointers can be more flexible in some cases.