pass-by-reference

[/pæs baɪ ˈrɛfərəns/]
noun
passagem por referência
1. A programming mechanism where a function receives the memory address (reference) of a variable rather than a copy of its value, allowing direct modification of the original variable
In C++, pass-by-reference allows functions to modify the original variable without returning a new value.
Em C++, passagem por referência permite que funções modifiquem a variável original sem retornar um novo valor.
2. A method of parameter passing that enables a function to alter the state of arguments passed to it
The swap function uses pass-by-reference to exchange the values of two variables efficiently.
A função de troca usa passagem por referência para trocar os valores de duas variáveis eficientemente.
This is a technical term primarily used in programming and computer science education. It is universally understood in both Brazilian and American tech communities without regional variation. The concept is fundamental to languages like C++, Java (for objects), and Python, and is taught in university computer science programs worldwide.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
pass-by-pointerreference passingpassing by reference
Antonyms / Antônimos
pass-by-valuepass-by-copy

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
passagem por referência
Standard term used in Brazilian computer science education and industry
São Paulo
passagem por referência
Used uniformly in tech hubs; sometimes shortened to 'por referência'
Portugal
passagem por referência
Same terminology used in Portuguese computer science contexts

Related Words

parameter passingfunction argumentmemory addresspointervariable scopecall-by-reference

Related Idioms & Phrases

modify in place
change the original
direct memory access
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