Why was the ampersand chosen as the symbol for references in C

Does anyone know why the ampersand was selected to represent references in C++?

Stroustroup didn't explain that choice, AFAIK (though I don't have the book nearby), which I find unusual given that the identical sign was previously used for address-of in C.

Aug 16, 2022 in C++ by Nicholas
• 7,760 points • 435 views

No answer to this question. Be the first to respond.

Your answer

Your name to display (optional):

Email me at this address if my answer is selected or commented on:

Privacy: Your email address will only be used for sending these notifications.

Difference between for loop and the range based loop in C++

The distinction between a for loop and ...READ MORE

Jul 11, 2022 in C++ by Nicholas
• 7,760 points • 597 views

0 votes

0 answers

Why is the size of an empty class in C++ not zero?

Why does the following output 1? #include <iostream> class Test { }; int ...READ MORE

Aug 17, 2022 in C++ by Nicholas
• 7,760 points • 559 views

0 votes

1 answer

Why does C++ need the scope resolution operator?

No. There is no scope resolution operator ...READ MORE

answered Jun 1, 2022 in C++ by Damon
• 4,960 points • 873 views

0 votes

1 answer

The new syntax "= default" in C++11

A defaulted default function Object() { [native code] } is defined as a user-defined default function Object() { [native code] } with an empty compound statement and no initialization list. I'll give you an example to demonstrate the difference: #include <iostream> using namespace std; class A { public: ...READ MORE

answered Jun 7, 2022 in C++ by Damon
• 4,960 points • 487 views

0 votes

1 answer

Are virtual functions the only way to achieve Runtime Polymorphism in C++?

fprintf is a polymorphism function in the C programming language. It can print to a file, stdout, a printer, a socket, or whatever else the system can represent as a stream if you supply it different handles. FILE* file = fopen("output.txt", "w"); ...READ MORE

answered Jun 21, 2022 in C++ by Damon
• 4,960 points • 478 views

0 votes

1 answer

What is the best way to use a HashMap in C++?

The ordered and unordered map containers (std::map and std::unordered map) are included in the standard library. The items in an ordered map are sorted by key, and insert and access are in O (log n). For ordered maps, the standard library often use red black trees. However, this is only an implementation detail. Insert and access are in O in an unordered map (1). It is simply another term for a hashtable. An illustration using (ordered) std::map: #include <map> #include <iostream> #include <cassert> int main(int argc, char ...READ MORE

answered Jun 10, 2022 in C++ by Damon
• 4,960 points • 836 views

0 votes

0 answers

What are the differences between a pointer variable and a reference variable?

What distinguishes a reference variable from a ...READ MORE

Jul 11, 2022 in C++ by Nicholas
• 7,760 points • 430 views

0 votes

1 answer

Why should I use reference variables at all?

References themselves are unrelated to the issue. The issue is because C++ manages object lifetimes differently from run-time systems that employ garbage collectors, such as Java. There is no standard built-in garbage collector in C++. Both automatic (within local or global scope) and manual (explicitly allocated/deallocated in heap) object lifetimes are possible in C++. A C++ reference is nothing more than an object's alias. It has no knowledge of object lifespan (for the sake of efficiency). The coder must give it some thought. A reference bound to a temporary object is an exception; in this situation, the temporary object's lifespan is prolonged to include the lifetime of the bound reference. References play a crucial role in the fundamental ideas of C++, and they are required for 90% of jobs. Otherwise, pointers must be used, which is typically far worse. You can use references, for instance, when you need to give an object as a function parameter by reference rather than by value: void f(A copyOfObj); ...READ MORE