c++ - Pointers, References and the other one -

i'm learning references , pointers , variables. think i've gotten myself lost.

at high level, understanding

*pointer = "points" location in memory

&reference = references values

so, means

char* c;     //pointer char& c;     //reference char c;      //does not have flash name? prefix?  

if pointer "location" (as per description above) , reference value, char c ? both? or value? tests indicate value only, if true, why use reference?

eg, why use

void myfunction(int& size); 

over

void myfunction(int size); 

let me give variables unique names, easier talk them:

char  = 'x'; char& b = a; char* c = &a; 

in example, a name fresh box code of character 'x' stored inside it:

  +-----+ | 120 |   +-----+ 

and b name same box:

  +-----+ | 120 | b   +-----+ 

finally, c name of box containing pointer first box:

  +-----+ | 120 | b   +-----+      ^      |   +--|--+ c |  |  |   +-----+