Chapter 6: Problem 28

Reference variables are defined like regular variables, except there is a(n) _________ in front of the name.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Answer: The symbol used to define reference variables is an ampersand (&).

Step by step solution

Identify the Symbol for Reference Variables

The symbol used for defining a reference variable in programming languages like C++ or Rust is an ampersand (&) in front of the variable name.

Explain the Concept of Reference Variables

A reference variable is an alias or a nickname given to a memory location which stores the actual data. It refers to the same memory location where the original data is stored, allowing for more efficient memory management, reducing code duplication, and enhancing code readability. To better understand reference variables, remember that the name of a specific memory location stays the same, but now it has another name that can be used to access the same location.

Describe How to Define a Reference Variable

To define a reference variable, the ampersand (&) symbol is used along with the data type that the reference variable will refer to, followed by the reference variable name itself. An example of this is: ```cpp int main() { int number = 10; int& refNumber = number; } ``` Here, `refNumber` is a reference variable that refers to the memory location of the `number` variable. Both `number` and `refNumber` can be used interchangeably to access the value of the integer `10`.

Demonstrate the Use of Reference Variables in Code

Reference variables have multiple uses, such as in function parameters and function return values. For example: ```cpp #include using namespace std; void updateValue(int& num) { num = num * 2; } int main() { int number = 10; cout << "Before update: " << number << endl; updateValue(number); cout << "After update: " << number << endl; return 0; } ``` In this example, `updateValue` accepts a reference to an integer `num`. When `number` is passed to `updateValue` from the `main` function, it is modified directly, and the output of this program would be: ``` Before update: 10 After update: 20 ``` Following these steps, we can conclude that the missing term in the exercise statement is an "ampersand (&)".

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Reference variables are defined like regular variables, except there is a(n) _________ in front of the name.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identify the Symbol for Reference Variables

Explain the Concept of Reference Variables

Describe How to Define a Reference Variable

Demonstrate the Use of Reference Variables in Code

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