The trend in newer languages is to replace explicit pointers with implicit references. Which languages take this approach? Take a position on whether is this is a good language design strategy or not. Support your argument with an explanation that discusses the advantages and possible limitations of the alternate approaches.
Another related issue is whether the language allows objects to be allocated on the stack or only on the heap. Among C++, Ada, Java and C#, which languages give the programmer the freedom to choose? Is allowing the programmer this freedom a good language design strategy or not? Take a position and defend it.