Home > Backend Development > C++ > Why Are C References Non-Reseatable?

Why Are C References Non-Reseatable?

Mary-Kate Olsen
Release: 2024-12-05 00:00:19
Original
300 people have browsed it

Why Are C   References Non-Reseatable?

The Rationale Behind Non-Reseatable References in C

C references possess distinct characteristics that set them apart from pointers. They immutably bind to a single object, ensuring a constant association and eliminating the possibility of becoming null. In contrast, pointers offer flexibility in referencing different objects and can hold null values.

The question arises: why does C lack a "non-nullable, reseatable reference or pointer"? Examining this absence sheds light on the reasoning behind the design of references in C and their unique advantages.

Stroustrup, the creator of C , reveals the rationale in his book "Design and Evolution of C ." He explains that the decision to prohibit the resetting of references was intentional, arising from a desire to avoid potential confusion and runtime errors.

In Algol68, references can be reassigned, allowing them to either modify the referenced object or point to a new object. Stroustrup observed that this flexibility could lead to ambiguous and error-prone code, especially in situations involving multiple references.

By making references non-resetable, C ensures that a reference always refers to the same object. This simplifies code comprehension, reduces the scope for accidental reassignments, and enhances the reliability of reference-based programming. While this constraint may limit certain use cases, it promotes clarity, consistency, and correctness in C code.

The above is the detailed content of Why Are C References Non-Reseatable?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

source:php.cn
Statement of this Website
The content of this article is voluntarily contributed by netizens, and the copyright belongs to the original author. This site does not assume corresponding legal responsibility. If you find any content suspected of plagiarism or infringement, please contact admin@php.cn
Latest Articles by Author
Popular Tutorials
More>
Latest Downloads
More>
Web Effects
Website Source Code
Website Materials
Front End Template