reference type (B2)
noun phrase
Pronunciation: /ˈrɛfərəns taɪp/
Definition
A data type that stores a reference to a location in memory where the actual data is stored, allowing for modification and manipulation of the data.
Examples
In Java, strings are reference types, which means they can be changed after they are created.
The programmer used a reference type to store the complex data structure, allowing for efficient modification and retrieval of the data.
Reference types are commonly used in object-oriented programming to create complex data structures and relationships between objects.
How to Use reference type
- declare a reference type (verb phrase)
- to define a variable or data structure as a reference type — "The programmer declared a reference type variable to store the address of a memory location."
- use a reference type (verb phrase)
- to utilize a reference type variable or data structure in a program — "The programmer used a reference type to store the complex data structure, allowing for efficient modification and retrieval of the data."
Browse the full Anaversity dictionary