Reference refers to the list of documents, data and research results published in the process of academic research. Including the author, publication year, article title, journal name, volume number, issue number, page number and other information, is an indispensable part of academic papers. Its main function is to provide readers with clues to consult relevant literature, help readers understand the frontier and progress in this field, and avoid duplication of labor and intellectual property disputes.

Thesis reference refers to the relevant books and materials cited when writing or editing a work, which is an important part of the thesis. It not only shows the scientific basis and historical background of the paper, but also urges the author to develop, improve and innovate on the basis of previous studies. In scientific and technological papers, all opinions, data and materials quoted from previously published documents (including the author's own past) should be marked where they appear in the paper, and a list of references should be listed at the end of the paper.

Generally speaking, the concept and function of reference and thesis reference are to ensure the accuracy and originality of academic research.