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Setting Reference Variables

Special rules apply when setting the reference or pointer of a reference variable:

A reference is always set as an up cast or as a down cast. When a reference variable is assigned to another reference variable, two different assignment operators are used plus a constructor operator.

As well as using assignments, references can point data reference variables to existing data objects. Here, a statement and a constructor operator are used.

Like all data objects, reference variables are initialized using the statement CLEAR. When a reference variable containing a heap reference is initialized, this affects Garbage Collector.

Note

The same rules apply to references set when objects are created as to assignments.




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Assignment Rules for Reference Variables
=, ?= - Up Cast and Down Cast
CAST - Casting Operator
GET REFERENCE
REF - Reference Operator