Passing references to functions to be assigned to pointers in C++, Which way is better? -

i'm wondering 1 better of these 2 implementations of passing addresses pointers. there data exchange in 1st 1 doesn't happen in 2nd one? second 1 more efficient way? more readable? both same?

version 1

void ptrfunction(int& arg) {     int* ptr = &arg;     std::cout<<"the pointer's value:" << *ptr << "\n"; }  int main() {     int  x=5;     ptrfunction(x);     return 0; } 

version 2

void callviapointers(int *arg) {   int *ptr = *arg;   std::cout << "the pointer's value: " << *ptr; }  int main() {     int x = 100;     callviapointers(&x);     return 0; } 

in terms of efficiency, 2 compile down same code behind-the-scenes, references implemented automatically-dereferenced pointers. perspective, 2 solutions equivalent.

as whether pass pointer or reference, that's judgment call depends on situation. if you're trying print out pointer integer (as you're doing here), pass-by-pointer makes bit more sense because it's more explicitly aligned you're trying do. in general, write function parameter of type want internally. if need pointer - either because you're building linked structure or because you're doing sort of memory allocation - take in pointer. if you're dealing polymorphic classes, traditionally accept argument pointer rather reference, though both work. if you're taking in stack-allocated object try modify it, reference can bit clearer. and, if you're in 1 of situations must use reference - example, parameter overloaded operator, copy constructor, or assignment operator - of course go reference. readability undervalued these days, making effort have clean, readable, intuitive code worth effort.