Differences between C++ References and Pointers: When to Use References?

In C++, both references and pointers are associated with variable addresses but fundamentally differ: A reference is an "alias" for a variable, sharing memory with the original variable. It must be bound to an object at definition and cannot point to another object later; it is used directly without dereferencing. A pointer is a "variable" that stores an address, which can point to an object or `nullptr`, and its target can be modified at any time, requiring dereferencing with `*`. Core differences: 1. **Syntax and Memory**: References use `&` and occupy no extra memory; pointers use `*` and `&` and occupy memory. 2. **Null Values**: References cannot be `nullptr`; pointers can. 3. **Initialization**: References must be initialized at definition; pointers can be uninitialized initially. 4. **Target Binding**: References cannot change their target once bound; pointers can modify their target. 5. **Dereferencing**: References are used directly; pointers require `*` for dereferencing. **Usage Scenarios**: References are suitable for scenarios avoiding copies, such as function parameters and returning objects. Pointers are used for dynamic memory, modifying targets, returning null pointers, etc. **Summary**: References are safe and concise (variable aliases), while pointers are flexible but require management (address variables). Beginners should prioritize references, and pointers are suitable for dynamic scenarios.