C++ Pointer vs Reference

What is the difference between a pointer and a reference in C++?

In C++, a pointer is a variable that holds the memory address of another variable, while a reference is an alias for an existing variable.

Can you explain how to use pointers in C++?

Sure! To use pointers, you declare a pointer variable with an asterisk (*), assign it the address of another variable using the address-of operator (&), and then you can dereference it using the asterisk.

What are some advantages of using references over pointers?

References are generally safer and easier to use than pointers. They cannot be null and must be initialized when declared, which helps prevent errors.

Are there any situations where I should prefer pointers?

Yes, pointers are useful when you need to allocate memory dynamically or when you want to create data structures like linked lists.