how to pass variables by reference to a function?

[JesseParticipant]

is there a way to pass variables by reference to a function such as with BlitzMax and How?
something like this in BlitzMax:

Local a:int = 3
test(a)
Print a ‘ prints 4

Function test(b:Int Var)
b = 4
End function

[abakoboParticipant]

Yes there is two ways:

The safe one: use a reference based data structure i.e.: Class or Array.
In your case an array (of size 1) is probably the best solution.

The “unsafe way” use pointer to pass the variable by reference. You must keep the scope to the variable or you’ll get a fatal “memory access violation” runtime error.

Monkey

Local a:int = 3 test(Varptr a) Print a ‘ prints 4 Function test(b:Int Ptr) b[0] = 4 End

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Local a:int = 3 test(Varptr a) Print a ‘ prints 4   Function test(b:Int Ptr) b[0] = 4 End

[JesseParticipant]

I knew about that and thats the way I have it on my program But I was hoping there was a simpler way like BlitzMax.
I didn’t really want to work with pointer indexes. I feel like they are a bit messy.

[abakoboParticipant]

Mark has been speaking about it but I think it’s in the todo list..

True that whether you use pointer or array you’ll end with an index!
Class will slow down your loops.

[JesseParticipant]

Ok, Thanks.

[Mark SiblyKeymaster]

‘Var’ parameters aren’t in yet but are likely to be added very soon.

[JesseParticipant]

Great Mark! Thanks.

[Author]

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