Question

Reference variables allow arguments to be passed by ____________.

Short answer

Answer: Reference variables.

Step-by-step solution

Understand reference variables

Reference variables are variables that store the memory address of another variable. They are particularly useful when passing arguments to functions, allowing the function to operate on the original data instead of a copy.

Determine how reference variables allow passing arguments

When a reference variable is used to pass an argument, it allows the function to access and modify the original variable instead of a copy, thus saving memory and allowing any changes to persist outside the function. This method of passing arguments is called "pass by reference".

Complete the exercise

Based on our understanding of reference variables and their function in passing arguments, the correct term to fill the blank in the provided exercise is "reference". The completed exercise is: "Reference variables allow arguments to be passed by reference."