Viiteparametrit

Viiteparametrit, also known as reference parameters, are a concept in computer programming, particularly in the context of function calls and parameter passing. They refer to the method by which arguments are passed to functions or methods. In many programming languages, there are two primary ways to pass parameters to functions: by value and by reference.

When parameters are passed by value, a copy of the argument's value is made and passed to the function. Any modifications made to the parameter inside the function do not affect the original argument. This method is commonly used for primitive data types like integers and floating-point numbers.

On the other hand, when parameters are passed by reference, the function receives a reference to the original argument, not a copy. This means that any changes made to the parameter inside the function will directly affect the original argument. This method is often used for complex data types like arrays, objects, and structures.

Some programming languages, such as C++ and Python, offer a third option known as passing by reference. This method allows the function to modify the original argument without making a copy. However, it does not provide the same level of safety as passing by value, as the function can inadvertently modify the original argument.

The choice of parameter passing method depends on the specific requirements of the program and the data types being used. In general, passing by value is safer and more predictable, while passing by reference can be more efficient for large data structures.