Description: Argument passing refers to the method of providing input values to a function, which can be done by value or by reference. In pass-by-value, a copy of the argument is created and passed to the function, meaning any modifications within the function do not affect the original value. On the other hand, pass-by-reference allows the function to directly access the original argument, meaning any changes made within the function will reflect on the original argument. This distinction is crucial in programming languages like C++, as it affects both performance and program behavior. Pass-by-reference is particularly useful when working with large data structures, as it avoids the overhead of copying large amounts of data. Additionally, many programming languages offer the ability to use pointers and references, providing flexibility in how arguments can be passed. This feature is fundamental to object-oriented programming, where class methods often need to manipulate object attributes. In summary, argument passing is an essential concept in programming that influences how functions are designed and implemented, affecting both the efficiency and clarity of the code.
