Thread: Pointers

  1. #1
    Just because ygfperson's Avatar
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    Pointers

    Are pointers necessary in C++?
    Are pointers useful in C++?

    (as opposed to references only)

  2. #2
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    I think so, but shouldn't this be in the C++ forum?

  3. #3
    Crazy Fool Perspective's Avatar
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    >> Are pointers necessary in C++?

    in the most simple cases, no. but for any practicle program pointers are necessary ( you cant even have an array with out a pointer)

    >> Are pointers useful in C++?

    yes, extremely. usefull for so many reasons i cant even begin to list them.

  4. #4
    ¡Amo fútbol!
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    Re: Pointers

    Originally posted by ygfperson
    Are pointers necessary in C++?
    Are pointers useful in C++?

    (as opposed to references only)
    Function pointer, void pointer, if the location being pointed to needs to be changed

  5. #5
    Open to suggestions Brighteyes's Avatar
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    >Are pointers necessary in C++?
    Yes. References remove most needs for pointers, but in just about any nontrivial program you'll find yourself using them liberally.

    >Are pointers useful in C++?
    Same question, different words. See above.

    >(as opposed to references only)
    What if you want to change where a reference refers? Or use a "null" reference?

    >Function pointer
    You can have references to functions, they just look funny because nobody's used to them.
    p.s. What the alphabet would look like without q and r.

  6. #6
    Registered User rick barclay's Avatar
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    I always thought pointers were a way to manage memory, which
    would make them useful.
    No. Wait. Don't hang up!

    This is America calling!

  7. #7
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    Absolutely, especially if your gonna do low-level type stuff.

  8. #8
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    Re: Pointers

    Originally posted by ygfperson
    Are pointers necessary in C++?
    Are pointers useful in C++?

    (as opposed to references only)
    I suppose you could program without them, if you just wanted to print something on screen.

    No wait, you need pointers for that.

    Code:
    #include <iostream>
    using namespace std;
    
    int main()
    {
      cout << "Hello, pointer world" << endl;  // The stuff in the speech marks is addressed by a pointer.
      return 0;
    }

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