Difference between "MyClass& func1(void)" and "MyClass* func2(void)"

Question

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What is the proper way to return an object from a C++ function ?

Hi there,

i would like to know whats the difference between the following two functions with respect to the return types?

1. MyClass& func1(void)
2. MyClass* func2(void)

I always thought this would be the same?

Heinrich

Answer 1

the first one returns reference to an object (or its address). The other one returns pointer, not reference

Major difference: the second one can return NULL

Answer 2

The first one is only capable of returning a reference to a single object and may not be null. Or rather, it should not be null.

The second one may be returning the pointer to a single object, or an array of objects.

In cases where you wish to return a single object that cannot be null, #1 tends to be the preferred form. In cases where a null can be returned #2 has to be used. Some APIs don't return references at all (like QT).

This is strictly a syntactic difference however. These two types are handled exactly the same in the compiled code: a pointer to the object (or array) will be used. That is, strictly speaking, the reference notation & adds no new semantic functionality over a normal pointer.

(This perhaps just summarizes what the other people wrote)