Argument passing by reference to pointer problem

Question

Every time I try to compile my code I get error:

cannot convert parameter 1 from \'int *\' to \'int *&\'

The test code looks like this:

Answer 1

A reference to non-const cannot bind to an rvalue. The result of the & operator is an rvalue. Take a look at the difference between lvalues and rvalues or read a good C++ book.

Also, in your context, you don't need to pass by reference. The following is OK as well:

void set (int *val){
   *val = 10;
}

The reference would be needed if you were to do something like this;

void set (int*& val){
   val = new int; //notice, you change the value of val, not *val
   *val = 10;
}