Gain insights into the C++ keyword 'const,' its usage in various contexts, and implications when returning pointers and references. Learn about preventing accidental data changes.

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In this course, you will learn about the C++ keyword const and its behaviour under different usage conditions, including local, global and static contexts. This course will help you to understand const and its implications when you attempt to return pointers and references in C++. By the end of the course, you will have a solid grip on const and its usage in preventing any accidental change of data.

Secure Coding Practices in C++: A Deep Dive into const

What happens when both the function and the returned pointer are `const`, but the data we point to is modifiable? Returning a `const` pointer doesn’t make sense because the `const` will be ignored. Luckily the compiler also tells us this directly.

## How constness of the returned pointer works?
But how does this `const` pointer work in practice? Let's look at an example where the constness of a returned pointer is ignored.

What happens when both the function and the returned pointer are `const`, but the data we point to is modifiable? Returning a `const` pointer doesn’t make sense because the `const` will be ignored. Luckily the compiler also tells us this directly.

# How constness of the returned pointer works?
But how does this `const` pointer work in practice? Let's look at an example where the constness of a returned pointer is ignored.

Learn about the `const` with return pointers.

Introduction

Arguments using const

Local Variables

Local Members

Functions

Return Types

const Parameters

const and Smart Pointers

Rvalue References

Summary

int * const func() const