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<h4 class="subsection">4.7.3 Passing Parameters by Reference</h4>

<p>If the parameter is passed by reference (e.g., Pascal <code>VAR</code>
parameters), then the symbol descriptor is &lsquo;<samp><span class="samp">v</span></samp>&rsquo; if it is in the
argument list, or &lsquo;<samp><span class="samp">a</span></samp>&rsquo; if it in a register.  Other than the fact
that these contain the address of the parameter rather than the
parameter itself, they are identical to &lsquo;<samp><span class="samp">p</span></samp>&rsquo; and &lsquo;<samp><span class="samp">R</span></samp>&rsquo;,
respectively.  I believe &lsquo;<samp><span class="samp">a</span></samp>&rsquo; is an AIX invention; &lsquo;<samp><span class="samp">v</span></samp>&rsquo; is
supported by all stabs-using systems as far as I know.

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