cairo-references-snapshots

name	cairo-references-snapshots
description	Explain Cairo references, snapshots (`@`), `ref` parameters, and desnap (`*`); use when a request involves borrowing, avoiding moves, or mutating data through references in Cairo.

Cairo References and Snapshots

Overview

Explain when to pass by value, snapshot, or mutable reference, and how to read or mutate safely.

Quick Use

• Read references/references-snapshots.md before answering.
• Show the correct parameter form (value, @value, or ref value).
• Use *snapshot only for Copy types.

Response Checklist

• Use snapshots (@T) to read without moving ownership.
• Use ref when the callee must mutate and the caller must regain ownership.
• Remind that ref requires a mut variable at the call site.
• Call out that snapshots are immutable and cannot be mutated directly.

Example Requests

• "Why does passing this array move ownership?"
• "How do I modify a struct inside a function and keep it?"
• "What does @ mean in a type annotation?"

Cairo by Example

• Retaining Ownership
• Snapshots
• References