Re: dont understand looping problem

From: Jesse Liberty (jliberty_at_libertyassociates.com)
Date: 10/10/04 

Date: 10 Oct 2004 11:11:09 -0700

> i read the book TYC++ in 21 days(2nd edition) in bits and pieces but i
> can't comment on its accuracy of the C++ laguage as i myself don't
> know the complete C++ standard.
>
> (few things i can point out, like the author writes:
> 1)"In C++, passing by reference is accomplished in two ways: using
> pointers and using references"
> passing pointers is still pass by value.

A couple quick points. First, we're now on the 4th edition, and many
bugs and issues have been worked out. Second, I would argue that while
pointers are passed by value, this accomplishes the task of "passing
by reference" -- that is, you pass an object by reference by passing a
pionter to that object, and while a copy of the pointer is made in
the receiving method, both pointers refer to the same object on the
heap and thus you have, effectively, passed that object by reference.

My goal in these books is not to clutter them up with overly precise
advanced explanations (like the above) but rather to help the user
become productive and to achieve a working knowledge of the topic.
There are times that I sacrifice absolute (pedantic?) precision for
clarity. I plead guilty <smile>.

Some folks find that very helpful, others find it very aggrevating.

-j

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