what are pointers and references in c++?

Question

I am struggling to understand what is the purpose of pointers and references?

why do we need them?

How are they different from one another?

Any practical use of pointers and references would be helpful.

Thanks

Answer 1

Here's a great video on Pointers in C, which should help you in C++ as well: https://youtu.be/XISnO2YhnsY

Answer 2

This answers the difference part ...

http://www.differencebetween.net/technology/difference-between-pointer-and-reference/
https://techdifferences.com/difference-between-pointer-and-reference-2.html

Answer 3

Thank you guys !