Pointers Use Cases

When you pass a variable to a function, you're essentially passing its value. This means the function receives a copy of the data. Any modifications made inside the function DO NOT affect the original variable.

main


              12345678910
            
#include <iostream>

void increment(int num) { num++; }

int main() 
{
    int num = 5;
    increment(num);
    std::cout << "Original value: " << num << std::endl;
}

We can use pointers to enable a function to alter the original variable. This involves passing a memory address as an argument instead of the actual value.

main


              123456789101112
            
#include <iostream>

void increment(int* num) { (*num)++; }

int main() 
{
	int num = 5;
    int* p_num = &num;	

    increment(p_num);
    std::cout << "Original value: " << num << std::endl;
}

Note

You can bypass the creation of a pointer to a variable and instead directly use the address-of operator when passing a variable.

Task

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Create a function that swaps values of two variables.
Call this function.
Output the values of variables after the swap.

Switch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below

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Thanks for your feedback!

Section 1. Chapter 4

Pointers Use Cases

main


              12345678910
            
#include <iostream>

void increment(int num) { num++; }

int main() 
{
    int num = 5;
    increment(num);
    std::cout << "Original value: " << num << std::endl;
}

We can use pointers to enable a function to alter the original variable. This involves passing a memory address as an argument instead of the actual value.

main


              123456789101112
            
#include <iostream>

void increment(int* num) { (*num)++; }

int main() 
{
	int num = 5;
    int* p_num = &num;	

    increment(p_num);
    std::cout << "Original value: " << num << std::endl;
}

Note

You can bypass the creation of a pointer to a variable and instead directly use the address-of operator when passing a variable.

Task

Swipe to show code editor

Create a function that swaps values of two variables.
Call this function.
Output the values of variables after the swap.

Switch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below

Everything was clear?

Thanks for your feedback!

Section 1. Chapter 4

Switch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below