Return values of functions

[borasemiz]

Hello everyone. This is not the first time that I see data structures in C++ but still there are ones that are creative. I am recently working on a project which requires the use of openCV library. While I was reading the tutorial, I came up with this time of function decleration:

  Mat& ScanImageAndRedudeC(Mat& I, const uchar* const table) //I am not familiar with this decleration.
  {
     //Some code here...
  }

I understand the argument "Mat& I", but I didn't understand the data type that the function returns, which is "Mat&". Does it return an address?

[MikeyBoy]

Does it return an address?

No, it returns a reference.

[borasemiz]

@MikeyBoy

Can you give me a little example?

[keskiverto]

A reference.

Is there any documentation for that function? What does the function code actually return?

[MikeyBoy]

Can you give me a little example?

Any C++ textbook should explain references. If yours doesn't, it's worthless, so burn it and get a better one.

[borasemiz]

Ok guys. I got my answer thanks a lot.