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Value Way (Pass / Define by Value)#

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int a = 10;
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MyClass obj;

Characteristics

• A new copy of the variable/object is created
• Changes do not affect the original
• Object lifetime is independent
• May be expensive for large objects

Reference Way (Define by Reference)#

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int& ref = a;
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MyClass& refObj = obj;

Characteristics

• No new object is created
• Reference is an alias to an existing object
• Changes affect the original
• Must be initialized
• Cannot be null or rebound

Value vs Reference Summary#

Advantages#

• Can represent optional / null objects
• Supports dynamic memory allocation
• Enables polymorphism
• Allows pointer arithmetic
• Can change what it points to

Disadvantages#

• Risk of memory leaks
• Risk of dangling pointers
• Risk of null pointer dereference
• Harder to read and maintain
• Manual memory management required (unless smart pointers used)

Pointer Usage Summary#

Memory Allocation & Release in C#

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int* p = (int*)malloc(sizeof(int));
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free(p);

Memory Allocation & Release in C++#

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int* p = new int(10);
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delete p;

Key Differences (Exam Favorite)#