Correct/best way to return values from a function?

[jim_0]

Say I wanted to return a string I can do

string parseFilename(string fileName){

return fileName.subtr(/*blah*/);

}

Can I also use pointers/references here though? When would you use a pointer and when just a return statement, any general tips here, some examples for instance?

[rogster001]

With the string you probably want to pass a reference to the object instead, no return type required in that example

[Elysia]

With the string you probably want to pass a reference to the object instead, no return type required in that example

Not necessarily true. I would return a string.
Pre-C++11, RVO would kick in, thus making the return free, given that your function is simply enough, of course.
If your function is too complex, and your are using C++11, move copy would kick in, making it pretty much free anyway.
Regardless, win-win. No need for references.

As for pointers or references in the return statements...
I'd use references if I need to return a local member variable from a class or if I return a parameter passed into the function. I would return a pointer mostly only if I need to return a member variable that is a pointer or I pass in a parameter that is a pointer. That is if I only need what the pointer points to, of course. Otherwise I might need to return a reference to said pointer... but that has rarely, if ever, happened. I can't recall any instance returning a reference to a pointer. Doesn't mean they haven't happened, though. It just means they're rare.