What are the differences between pass-by-value and pass-by-reference in function arguments?

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What are the differences between pass-by-value and pass-by-reference in function arguments? Pending Review

Asked on Jan 18, 2026

Answer

In programming, pass-by-value and pass-by-reference are two different methods of passing arguments to functions. Pass-by-value means that a copy of the actual parameter's value is made in memory, and the function works with this copy. Pass-by-reference, on the other hand, means that a reference to the actual parameter is passed, allowing the function to modify the original variable.

Example Concept: Pass-by-value involves copying the argument's value, so changes made within the function do not affect the original variable. In contrast, pass-by-reference passes a reference or pointer to the actual data, allowing the function to modify the original variable. Languages like C++ use both methods, while Java uses pass-by-value for object references, meaning the reference itself is passed by value.

Additional Comment:

Pass-by-value is used in languages like C and Java for primitive types.
Pass-by-reference is common in languages like C++ (using pointers or references) and Python (where objects are passed by reference).
Understanding these concepts is crucial for managing memory and side effects in functions.
Some languages, like Python, use a model where objects are passed by reference, but the reference itself is passed by value.

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