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Bleh, I'm taking your tutorial right now, and 1 thing that is killing me before I feel like I know enough to go on is what is the point of pointers?
I just don't see any reason to using a "pointer" as opposed to just using the variable the pointer is pointing.
Can someone explain so I don't have to pass this off as "useless" and go on, knowing I probably do need to use it?
Try writing your own strlen() function.
Then try writing it without using pointers.
Oh boy! The power of C is rooted in pointers! Believe that your attitude will not last.Quote:
Originally Posted by Idiotofgeniuses
It sounds like maybe you have done some programming in a "higher level" or "interpreted" language where pointers aren't used or are concealed as "referencing". But you also may be aware that most of the computer system you are using was programmed in C, and not these other languages! Why? Because it's so efficient.
The problem is, you cannot use C variables the way you might in (eg) javascript because of pointers. Yes, it makes it slightly more complex to learn to use. But you absolutely have to do it. Believe that there are pointers at work in javascript, because the javascript interpreter is written in C. But you don't have to deal with them.
Why deal with them in C? Because it has to be dealt with. This also allows YOU to call a lot of shots in ways you wouldn't be able to otherwise. Consider what happens if you have a string:
And you want to pass this around between functions, etc. Without pointers, the computer will be stuck copying this string over and over again. That uses more memory, which is an issue in itself. More significantly, it requires a lot more processor activity. This is contrasted with a pointer, which is simply an address of some already existing memory. Much easier, much faster, and requiring much less resources -- except from the programmer. That's why you will never see a commercially $uccessful game (on any platform, including nintendo, etc.) written in anything but C or C++.Code:char string[]="hello world";
True, javascript, et. al. does not actually do the copying I was talking about. They "manage memory" on a higher lever via. C routines from their source. But these routines must be generalized, whereas in C you do the work yourself.
You will grow to love them. Start now. A lot of the nitty gritty rationale (and usefulness) will become clear soon. And once that happens, you'll understand how they actually make programming easier.
ok, I think I got it now. You are correct on your theory, as I have worked with python quite a bit and now using "C language" so I can learn more about computer programming.
I thank you for answering fast, as this place I'm using the internet at has a ever-so-slow connection speed, which is quite frustrating to keep refreshing this while waiting knowing that %50 of my refreshes will say "Server takes too much time to load" and quits (and yes, it is that slow lol).
I do believe I have a better picture of it now.
Salem's point is salient to all this -- as far as I know, all C functions are actually written in C, making the language very transparent. Everything is built up from datatypes (including pointers), operators, and semantics.
Pointers are a necessity, not an esoteric extra tool some people don't really use.