What does the term "reference semantics" imply in programming?

The term "reference semantics" refers to the way variables in programming can store references to the memory locations where data is actually held, rather than storing the data itself. This means that when a variable is assigned to another variable, both variables reference the same memory location, and thus they both can access and modify the data stored there.

In this context, when a variable can reference a function or another variable, it reflects the idea that the variable does not simply hold a static value. Instead, it points to a location where data resides, which allows for dynamic and flexible program behavior. This concept is particularly relevant in programming languages that support complex data structures such as objects and arrays.

Understanding this distinction is crucial as it affects how data is manipulated in memory and how changes to one variable can affect others that share the same reference. This is the core of what "reference semantics" encompasses in programming.