What is the difference between C++ reference and basic reference?

There are several differences between C++ references and basic references, including the following:

1. Grammar: basic references are declared using ‘&’ symbol, while C++ references are declared using reference type, for example int& represents an integer reference.
2. Initialization: Basic references must be initialized at declaration, while C++ references can be initialized at declaration or afterwards.
3. Variability: Basic pointers can be reassigned to point to other variables, while in C++ once a reference is bound to a variable, it cannot be changed to reference a different object.
4. Null reference: Basic references cannot reference a null value, while C++ references can reference a null value, but manipulating a null reference will result in undefined behavior.
5. Usage in containers: fundamental references cannot be stored in containers (such as arrays or vectors), while C++ references can be used as container elements.

In conclusion, C++ references are more flexible and secure compared to basic references, but they also need to be used more carefully to prevent undefined behavior.