Reference variable provides a different name (alias) for an already defined variable.
Syntax: data_type& reference_variable = existing_variable;
Key points about reference variables:
Initialization is Required: A reference variable must be initialized with an existing variable during declaration. Once initialized, it acts as an alias for the original variable.
No Separate Memory: Unlike pointers, reference variables do not create a new memory location. They simply provide another name for the same memory location as the original variable.
No Null Reference: Unlike pointers, reference variables cannot be null. They must always refer to a valid object.
No Reassignment: Once a reference variable is initialized with a variable, it cannot be changed to refer to a different variable. It remains bound to the original variable throughout its lifetime.
No Size Overhead: References do not consume extra memory. They are implemented by the compiler as direct memory addresses.
Useful for Function Parameters: References are commonly used as function parameters to achieve call-by-reference behavior, allowing functions to modify the original variables passed to them.
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