Answer
A reference aliases an existing object or function, while a pointer is an object that stores an address-like value. • A reference must be initialized and cannot later be reseated. • A pointer can be null and can be assigned to designate another object. • Use references for required aliases and pointers when nullability or reseating is part of the design.
💡 C++ Example
int value = 10;
int& reference = value;
int* pointer = &value;
reference = 20;
pointer = nullptr;
⚡ Quick Revision
References are bound aliases; pointers are nullable, assignable objects.