int x, &y = x; int main() { y = 42; } produces
x: .zero 4 ... y: .long x ... movl y, %eax movl $42, (%eax) Since a non-arg reference is always (?) constant it would be safe to omit movl $42, x -- Summary: Weak optimization on global references Product: gcc Version: 3.4.3 Status: UNCONFIRMED Severity: enhancement Priority: P3 Component: c++ AssignedTo: unassigned at gcc dot gnu dot org ReportedBy: felix dot nawothnig at t-online dot de CC: gcc-bugs at gcc dot gnu dot org http://gcc.gnu.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=18842