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Pointers 1

The document explains pointers as variables that store memory addresses, enabling direct memory access and manipulation. It highlights their importance in dynamic memory allocation, efficient array and string handling, and building complex data structures. Additionally, it covers the use of pointers in function arguments for pass-by-reference capabilities.

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10 views11 pages

Pointers 1

The document explains pointers as variables that store memory addresses, enabling direct memory access and manipulation. It highlights their importance in dynamic memory allocation, efficient array and string handling, and building complex data structures. Additionally, it covers the use of pointers in function arguments for pass-by-reference capabilities.

Uploaded by

akkhanyar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Understanding Pointers &

Debugging with GDB


What Is a Pointer?
• A pointer is a variable that stores the memory
address of another variable.
• Enables direct memory access.
• Crucial for low-level programming and
performance.
1. Direct Memory Access
• Pointers store the address of a variable, which
lets us directly access and manipulate
memory.
• int a = 5;
• int *p = &a; // p stores the address of a
Visualizing a Pointer
• int a = 10;
• int *ptr = &a;
2. Dynamic Memory Allocation
• With pointers, we can allocate memory at runtime (using malloc, calloc,
etc.), which is essential for creating flexible programs that don't rely on
fixed sizes.

• int *arr = (int*)malloc(5 * sizeof(int));


3. Efficient Array and String Handling
• Pointers let you iterate through arrays or
strings quickly, without the overhead of
indexing.
How a Pointer Works
• Stores the address of a variable.
• Can be dereferenced to access or modify
value.
• Pointer arithmetic allows traversal through
memory (e.g., arrays).
• int arr[] = {1, 2, 3};
• int *p = arr;
• *(p + 5) // gives 6
4. Function Arguments (Pass-by-Reference)

• Using pointers, you can pass variables by


reference to functions, allowing the function
to modify the original variable.
• void update(int *x) {
• *x = 10;
• }
5. Building Complex Data Structures
• Pointers are essential for linked lists, trees,
graphs, etc. They allow us to create non-
contiguous data structures.
• struct Node {
• int data;
• struct Node* next; // Pointer to the next
node
• };
Why Use Pointers?
• Direct hardware/memory control
• Efficient for:
• Arrays
• Strings
• Dynamic memory (malloc)
• Enables systems-level programming

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