C++ References & Pointers

Aliases, addresses and smart pointers.

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A reference is another name for an existing variable: int& r = x;. It must be initialised and cannot be re-seated.
A pointer stores an address: int* p = &x;, read with *p.
nullptr is the null pointer.

Smart pointers

Instead of new/delete, modern C++ uses std::unique_ptr and std::shared_ptr (from <memory>), which free memory automatically.

Key Takeaways: C++ References & Pointers

Mastering C++ References & Pointers helps you write clean and reliable C++ code. Follow standard conventions, test edge cases, and keep logic simple. Try running the code example below and complete the exercises to build confidence.

C++ References & Pointers Code Example

C++

#include <iostream>
#include <memory>

int main() {
    int x = 10;
    int& ref = x;
    int* ptr = &x;

    ref += 5;
    *ptr *= 2;
    std::cout << "x = " << x << "\n";

    auto box = std::make_unique<int>(99);
    std::cout << "unique_ptr holds " << *box << "\n";
    return 0;   // box frees its memory automatically
}

Output