C++ Examples: Returning a Reference

C++ Examples: Returning a Reference

As a function can be created to return a value of aprimitive type, a function can also be defined to return a reference to aprimitive type. When declaring such a function, you must indicate that it isreturning a reference by preceding it with the & operator. Here is anexample:

double & GetWeeklyHours(){}

In the body of the function, defined the desired behavior ofthe function as you see fit. The most important rule to apply is that thefunction must return not only a reference but a reference to the appropriatetype. When returning the value, don't precede the name of the variable with&. Here is an example:

double & GetWeeklyHours(){ double h = 46.50; double &hours = h; return hours;}

When calling a function that returns a reference, you canproceed as if it returns a regular value but of the appropriate type. Here is anexample:

//---------------------------------------------------------------------------#include using namespace std;double & GetWeeklyHours(){ double h = 46.50; double &hours = h; return hours;}//---------------------------------------------------------------------------int main(){ double hours = GetWeeklyHours(); cout << "Weekly Hours: " << hours << endl; return 0;}//---------------------------------------------------------------------------

This would produce:

Weekly Hours: 46.5