reference passing

[ˈrɛfərəns ˈpæsɪŋ]
noun
passagem por referência
1. A programming mechanism where a function or method receives a reference (memory address) to a variable rather than a copy of its value, allowing direct modification of the original variable
In C++, reference passing allows the function to modify the original variable without creating a copy.
Em C++, a passagem por referência permite que a função modifique a variável original sem criar uma cópia.
2. The act of passing arguments to a function by reference instead of by value
Reference passing is more efficient for large data structures because it avoids unnecessary copying.
A passagem por referência é mais eficiente para estruturas de dados grandes porque evita cópias desnecessárias.
Reference passing is a fundamental concept in computer science education and professional programming. The term is used consistently across Brazilian and European Portuguese technical communities. In Brazil, this concept is heavily taught in computer science programs and is essential knowledge for software developers working with languages like C++, Java, and Python.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
pass by referencereference parameterpointer passing
Antonyms / Antônimos
value passingpass by valuecopying

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
passagem por referência
Standard technical term used in programming education and documentation
Portugal
passagem por referência
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; terminology is consistent across Portuguese-speaking regions
Technical Communities
passar por referência
Often used as a verb phrase in conversational programming contexts

Related Words

parameterargumentmemory addresspointerfunction callvariable scope

Related Idioms & Phrases

pass something by reference
reference parameter in function definition
dereference a pointer
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