A pointer has its own memory address and size on the stack ...
Pointers can also exist in the heap:
int **p = new int*{};
... whereas a reference shares the same memory address (with the original variable) ...
You need to be really precise with wording here. A reference has its own address in memory (just like a pointer) that's distinct from the referent's address, but C++ provides no syntax for accessing a reference's address. For example, in:
struct S {
S( int &r ) : _r{ r } { }
int &_r;
};
the reference _r inside S definitely has its own memory with a unique address.
.... but also takes up some space on the stack.
References can also exist in the heap:
int i;
S *p = new S{ i }; // the int& inside S is in the heap
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Pointers can also exist in the heap:
You need to be really precise with wording here. A reference has its own address in memory (just like a pointer) that's distinct from the referent's address, but C++ provides no syntax for accessing a reference's address. For example, in:
the reference
_rinsideSdefinitely has its own memory with a unique address.References can also exist in the heap: