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C++ Pointers and References
course content

Course Content

C++ Pointers and References

C++ Pointers and References

1. Pointers Fundamentals
Introduction and OverviewIntroduction to PointerAssigning Addresses to PointersLink Between Pointer and VariablePointers Use Cases
2. Pointer Arithmetic
Introduction to Pointer ArithmeticPointer Arithmetic PracticeArrays and Pointers ConnectionArray Pointer Arithmetic Practice
3. References Fundamentals
Introduction to ReferencesReference Use CasesRvalue and Lvalue ReferencesReference vs Pointers
4. Dynamic Memory Allocation
Introduction to MemoryDynamic AllocationDynamic Allocation of the ArrayPointer to Pointer Dynamic AllocationSummary and Overview

book
Introduction to Pointer

A pointer is a variable that stores the memory address of another variable. It allows direct manipulation of memory. Declaration and initialization of a pointer looks like this:

h

pointer

copy

              
1

            
int* p_Name = nullptr;

  • int: specifies the base type of the variable that the pointer will point to. In this case, it's an integer;

  • *: called dereference operator, returns the value stored at the address held by a pointer;

  • p_Name: the name of the pointer variable. You can choose any valid variable name;

  • nullptr: is a keyword that represents a null pointer, indicating that it is empty and doesn't point to anything.

Note

Commonly, pointers are named with a prefix p_ as a naming convention signifying that the variable is a pointer.

Task
test

Swipe to begin your solution

  1. Declare and initialize pointer with a nullptr.
  2. Display a pointer for a chosen primitive data type.
  3. Make sure its name has p_ prefix.

Once you've completed this task, click the button below the code to check your solution.

Solution

cpp

solution

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Section 1. Chapter 2
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book
Introduction to Pointer

A pointer is a variable that stores the memory address of another variable. It allows direct manipulation of memory. Declaration and initialization of a pointer looks like this:

h

pointer

copy

              
1

            
int* p_Name = nullptr;

  • int: specifies the base type of the variable that the pointer will point to. In this case, it's an integer;

  • *: called dereference operator, returns the value stored at the address held by a pointer;

  • p_Name: the name of the pointer variable. You can choose any valid variable name;

  • nullptr: is a keyword that represents a null pointer, indicating that it is empty and doesn't point to anything.

Note

Commonly, pointers are named with a prefix p_ as a naming convention signifying that the variable is a pointer.

Task
test

Swipe to begin your solution

  1. Declare and initialize pointer with a nullptr.
  2. Display a pointer for a chosen primitive data type.
  3. Make sure its name has p_ prefix.

Once you've completed this task, click the button below the code to check your solution.

Solution

cpp

solution

Switch to desktopSwitch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below
Everything was clear?

How can we improve it?

Thanks for your feedback!

Section 1. Chapter 2
Switch to desktopSwitch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below
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