Reference and const pointer

[OReubens]

they're different types. and they're mostly interchangable at the code level.

the differences being:
pointers can point to "anywhere", including null (and it's easy to make a pointer point to anything you want).
pointers can be initialized and assigned

references "point to" objects. making a reference NOT "point to" an object typically involves a detour over a pointer which sidesteps the problem. So for the most part it is easier to make "clean" code with references.
references can only be initialized (i.e. you can't change a reference, you can only change what a reference "points to".).

pointers tend to confuse programmers, especially new programmers. It also opens the question as to "who owns the pointer, and do I need to dispose of the pointer when I'm done with it".

the rule of thumb should be:
Use references. Only use pointers when a reference won't work.