How do I use const references in C++?

How do I use const references in C++?

Using const references in C++ allows you to pass large objects without copying them, improving performance. You declare a const reference like this: const Type& varName.

Can you give me an example of using const references?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

void printValue(const int& value) {
    std::cout << value << std::endl;
}

int main() {
    int num = 10;
    printValue(num); // num is passed by const reference
}

This way, printValue can access num without copying it.

What are the benefits of using const references?

The main benefits are performance improvement by avoiding copies and ensuring that the original data cannot be modified within the function.

Are there any downsides to using const references?

One downside is that you cannot modify the referenced object within the function. If you need to modify it, you should use a non-const reference or a pointer.