Templates and functions are parameterised. The syntax for parameters is defined by the grammar for Parameters:
Parameters ::= [ Parameter (',' Parameter)* ]
Parameter ::= [Type] [ '&' ] [ID] [ArrayDecl]*
In contrast to global and local declarations, the parameter list should not be terminated by a semicolon.
Parameters can be declared to have either call-by-value or call-by-reference semantics. The syntax is taken from C++, where the identifier of a call-by-reference parameter is prefixed with an ampersand in the parameter declaration. Call-by-value parameters are not prefixed with an ampersand.
Clocks and channels must always be reference parameters.
Note: Array parameters must be prefixed with an ampersand to be passed by reference, this does not follow the C semantics.
P(clock &x, bool bit)P has two parameters: the clock x and the boolean variable bit.Q(clock &x, clock &y, int i1, int &i2, chan &a, chan &b)Q has six parameters: two clocks, two integer variables (with default range), and two channels. All parameters except i1 are reference parameters.