A reference is an alias, another name for an existing object, while a pointer is a distinct object that stores an address. Three concrete differences follow: a reference must be initialized when declared and binds to a valid object (there's no null reference), it can't be reseated to refer to a different object after binding, and you use it with no dereference syntax (it is the object). A pointer can be null, can be repointed anytime, can be uninitialized, and requires explicit */&. Under the hood a reference is typically implemented as a pointer, but the language's guarantees mean a function taking a reference doesn't need to null-check or worry the caller forgot to initialize. The practical guidance: default to references, drop to pointers when you need the capabilities references deliberately lack.
C++ for Embedded · Interview question
What's the difference between a reference and a pointer?
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From the lesson
References vs Pointers
References are aliases that can't be null and can't be reseated. When to reach for a reference, when you still need a pointer, and why const& is the default way to pass objects.