Passing by reference - difference

Question

What's the difference between these functions:

void function(int* var)
void function(int * var)
void function(int *var)

I've seen these three types of pointer but don't understand the difference. Can anybody explain?

Answer 1

There is no difference as far as the position of * between DataType and VariableName

Answer 2

Hi Asad, this is not what is usually referred to by "pass by reference". Passing by reference uses the "&" operator instead of "*". Nevertheless, it's pretty similar to passing a pointer by value (this is what we got here) and can be considered a simpler way of passing a pointer to an *existing* variable (important restrictions as you cannot pass a null reference while you can pass a dangerous null pointer by value).
The difference in your example is one of opinion (that means there is views on this in the programmers community). While "int* var" suggests that the quality of being a pointer is a property of the type, "int *var" suggests it's a property of the variable "var". "int * var" leaves it open (sometimes used by code refactoring tools to leave it open to automatic formatter or so).

Answer 3

No problem. As long as learning is achieved I'm happy. :-)

Answer 4

Alright, thank you Stefan and Jigar for your answers!

Answer 5

You are welcome :)