Question

What is the difference between references and pointers?

(a) References are an alias for a variable whereas pointer stores the address of a variable

(b) References and pointers are similar

(c) References stores address of variables whereas pointer points to variables

(d) Pointers are an alias for a variable whereas references stores the address of a variable

The question was asked by my school principal while I was bunking the class.

My doubt stems from References topic in division Types, Pointers, Arrays & Structures in C++ of C++

Answer 1

Right choice is (a) References are an alias for a variable whereas pointer stores the address of a variable

The best I can explain: References are an alias/another name for a variable whereas pointer stores the address of a variable. Pointers need to be deference before use whereas references need not.