Difference Between Const Reference and Normal Parameter Passing
The below table demonstrates the key differences between const reference and normal parameter passing:
Feature | Const Reference | Normal Parameter Passing |
|---|---|---|
Definition | In this argument are passed as a reference to the original value, but does not allow the function to modify that value. | In this argument are passed to a function by copying the actual value into the function’s formal parameter. |
Syntax | void func(const int& x); | void func(int x); |
Memory Efficiency | More efficient with large data types as it avoids copying the data. Only the reference is passed. | Less efficient with large data types due to the overhead of copying data. |
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Use Case | It is suitable for passing large or complex data types when we want to ensure that the original data should not be modified. | It is suitable only for small data types or when we want the function to work with a copy of the data so that the original data remains unchanged. |
Flexibility | Cannot be used if the function needs to modify the passed data. | Provides complete freedom to modify the copied data inside the function without any risk to the original data. |
Const Reference vs Normal Parameter Passing in C++
In C++, when we call a function we can also pass the parameters to the function in many ways like pass by value, pass by reference, pass by pointer, and by const reference. Each parameter-passing technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will learn the difference between normal parameter passing and passing by const reference in C++.
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