Answer 1

Gordie sir don't hate me but you may admit
int* a;
int* b;
float& d;
char cdfg = '0';
char egffg = '1';
is a good style and very tidy readable code.
It is most used by the community and recommended from Scott Meyer legend .
Pierre-Louis Deschamps given a good tip of coding style.. chapeau!

Answer 2

Agree Gordie asterisk close to variable is also good and inline style will be ok!
what really matters is to be clear and tidy and coherent, everyone is free to choose the style that better suits him or his team.
Personally I like the Pierre-Louis one but yours is also good.
I think yours is more C style, am I wrong?
The general rule is to have a clear idea and pass this feeling to the one who will read it later(maybe the writer too).
Your codes are awesome and demonstrates your experience /knowledge on programming!

Answer 3

Asterisk is used to declare a pointer variable.