C++ function parameters: use a reference or a pointer (and then dereference)?

Question

I was given some code in which some of the parameters are pointers, and then the pointers are dereferenced to provide values. I was concerned that the pointer dereferencing wou

Answer 1

From a performance point of view, it probably doesn't matter. Others have already answered that.

Having said that, I have yet not found a situation where an added instruction in this case would make a noticeable difference. I do realize that for a function that is called billions of times, it could make a difference. As a rule, you shouldn't adapt your programming style for these kind of "optimizations".