Is it possible to return a literal by const reference?

Question

It's safe?

const int& f() { return 1; }

What I'm trying to do is return some value to const &

+7

smallB Aug 1 '11 at 9:14

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2 answers

No, you are returning a link to a temporary variable - this is unsafe. The temporary variable will be destroyed when the function returns.

+2

sharptooth Aug 1 '11 at 9:16

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Alok save · Accepted Answer · 2011-08-01T09:17:23+0000

This not normal.
Returning a link to a temporary one is not true, because accessing it outside the function causes Undefined Behavior .