C++ : Understanding pointers | Linux Today

C++ : Understanding pointers

Written By
Web Webster
Web Webster
Sep 17, 2009

[ Thanks to linuxconfig.org for this link.
]

“2. What is a Pointer?

“Pointer is a variable that stores a memory address. OK, that is
simple ! But, what is a memory address then? Every variable is
located under unique location within a computer’s memory and this
unique location has its own unique address, the memory address.
Normally, variables hold values such as 5 or “hello” and these
values are stored under specific location within computer memory.
However, pointer is a different beast, because it holds the memory
address as its value and has an ability to “point” ( hence pointer
) to certain value within a memory, by use of its associated memory
address.

“3. Retrieving a Variable’s Memory Address

“OK, enough talking and let’s get down to the pointer business.
To retrieve a variable’s memory address, we need to use address-of
operator &.”

Complete
Story

Web Webster

Web Webster

Web Webster has more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience in the tech sector. He’s written and edited news, demand generation, user-focused, and thought leadership content for business software solutions, consumer tech, and Linux Today, he edits and writes for a portfolio of tech industry news and analysis websites including webopedia.com, and DatabaseJournal.com.

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