Chapter 12: Problem 5

Should file stream objects be passed to functions by value or by reference? Why?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Explain your choice. Answer: File stream objects should be passed to functions by reference, as it maintains the connection and state of the file stream object, avoids undesired behavior due to simultaneous operations on the same file, and provides greater efficiency in terms of memory and processing power. Passing by value would create a new copy of the object which would not be connected to the original file and may lead to incorrect data manipulation.

Step by step solution

Understanding Pass by Value and Pass by Reference

When passing a variable to a function, there are two ways to pass it: pass by value and pass by reference. In the pass-by-value method, a copy of the variable is passed to the function, so any changes made to the variable within the function do not affect the original variable. In the pass-by-reference method, a reference to the original variable is passed, so any changes made to the variable within the function do affect the original variable.

File Stream Objects

File stream objects are used to handle file input and output in C++. They are part of the I/O system and are used to perform operations such as reading and writing files, opening and closing files, and more.

Passing File Stream Objects

File stream objects should be passed by reference to functions, not by value. This is because file stream objects maintain a connection and state related to the file they are being used with. Passing them by value would create a new, independent copy of the object which would not be connected to the original file. This may lead to undesired behavior, as both the original and the copy would be attempting to operate on the same file simultaneously, possibly leading to incorrect data manipulation.

Efficiency Considerations

Passing by reference is also more efficient when working with large objects like file streams, as copying large objects consumes more memory and processing power. By passing a reference, no copy is created, and the function can directly work with the original object.

Conclusion

File stream objects should be passed to functions by reference rather than by value. This maintains the connection and state of the file stream object, avoids undesired behavior due to simultaneous operations on the same file, and provides greater efficiency in terms of memory and processing power.

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Should file stream objects be passed to functions by value or by reference? Why?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Pass by Value and Pass by Reference

File Stream Objects

Passing File Stream Objects

Efficiency Considerations

Conclusion

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