What are the best practices for using const references in C++?

What are the best practices for using const references in C++?

Using const references in C++ is a great way to avoid unnecessary copies of large objects. Here are some best practices: 1. Use const references for function parameters when you don't need to modify the argument. 2. Prefer const references for large objects to improve performance. 3. Be cautious with temporary objects, as they can lead to dangling references.

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

Sure! If you have a function that takes a large object, like a vector, you can define it like this: void processVector(const std::vector<int>& vec). This way, you avoid copying the entire vector, which saves time and memory.

Are there any situations where I shouldn't use const references?

Yes, you should avoid using const references for small objects, like built-in types (int, char, etc.), because the overhead of referencing may outweigh the benefits. Also, if you need to modify the object, you shouldn't use a const reference.

What about using const references with classes?

Using const references with classes is generally a good practice, especially for large classes. It allows you to pass objects without copying them, while ensuring that the function cannot modify the original object.