C++ Stack References Guide

In C++, the stack is a form of memory management that follows the Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) principle. Data in the stack is stored in stack frames, with each function call creating a new stack frame, which is then destroyed once the function finishes execution.

The rule for referencing a stack is about how to correctly refer to variables in the stack within a function. In C++, it is dangerous for a function to return a reference to a variable in the stack because after the function call ends, the corresponding stack frame will be destroyed, leading to a dangling reference and causing undefined behavior.

Therefore, in general, it is advisable to avoid returning references to variables in the stack and instead return pointers or use reference parameters to pass data, ensuring that the data remains valid after the function call ends.