Passing parameters by reference

Suppose I have a function like this:

PHP Code:

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void Function1(const VECTOR3& v); 


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What difference is it when making it like:

PHP Code:

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void Function1(const VECTOR3* v);
  or
void Function1(const VECTOR3 v); 


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The function does not return anything into the v variable. So why cant I just use the last (without the pointer) to pass structures in my function;'s parameters?

What is best and what is used for which situation?

Passing by reference means you can change the original object without using any funny dereferencing notation like you have to do with pointers. Since you're passing a const object, the only real gain you have by passing a reference is if the object is larger in memory than a reference. You can get the same effect with a pointer, but then to access the object you'd need to dereference it, once again, references don't require that :-)

Here are some pointers.

// I prefer this type of parameterizing for ADT
void Function1(const VECTOR3& v);

// I prefer this type of parameterizing for dynamic objects
// and when the function will make changes to the object.
void Function1(const VECTOR3* v);

// I prefer this type of parameterizing for primitive data types.
void Function1(const VECTOR3 v);

Kuphryn

I see. Both posts were helpful, but what is ADT?

If I use * for every structure passing, would it be safe?

>>but what is ADT?
Abstract data type :-)

>>If I use * for every structure passing, would it be safe?
Sure, as long as you use the pointers properly it's perfectly safe :-)