pointers...

[GravtyKlz]

#include <stdio.h>
#include <string.h>

int main()
{
	char array[] = "test this";
	char next[] = "newline";
	char *ptr = array;
	char **ptr2;
	ptr2 = &ptr;

	printf("%s\n%s\n", array,ptr);
	ptr2 = (char**)next;
	printf("%s\n", ptr2);
	printf("%s\n%s\n", array, ptr);
	return 1;
}

Why is it that when I modify **ptr2 it doesnt modify array and ptr as well? Im also not sure why I couldnt just do ptr2 = next; but the compiler wouldnt accept anything but that.

[Hammer]

>> Im also not sure why I couldnt just do ptr2 = next
Because they're of different types. ptr2 is a char**, whereas next is a char[] (which is char* in disguise).

There's a new FAQ entry for pointers.

[GravtyKlz]

I knew most everything in that FAQ and it really didnt start to solve my problem unless im missing someting.

I did do a little more thinking however and Im guessing when I set str2 = (char**)next; str2 no longer points to &str, it now points to the array next.

If that is right my next question would be how can I set my ** pointer to another pointer and modify that pointer in a way that it will effect all three variables. I know I can do it by **ptr2 = 'c'; or some other character but Im wondering how I can change ptr2 to a whole different string. Im pretty positive I would have to change **ptr2 in order to do what I want to, but I once again could be wrong.

By the way this is just so I can learn something about pointers to a pointer...this code has no useful purpose at all(incase everyone thinks im an idiot).

[Stoned_Coder]

well not sure quite what u want but my guess is this...

keep the char** pointing at the char*
make all accesses thru the char** selecting the array by modifying whichever array the char* points to....

char array1[]={"dogs"};
char array2[]={"bollocks"};
char* parray = array1;
char** pparray=&parray;
**pparray='b';
parray = array2;
**pparray='d';
//now print the arrays.

[GravtyKlz]

Im actually trying to find a way to change **ptr2 to a string rather than a character. Something like **ptr2 = "this new string"; but that doesnt work in the compiler so Im looking for an alternative.

[Stoned_Coder]

use strcpy() but be careful. those arrays are only so big remember....

strcpy(*pparray,"new");

[quzah]

Originally posted by Stoned_Coder
use strcpy() but be careful. those arrays are only so big remember....

strcpy(*pparray,"new");

Which is why you should be using strncpy instead. It is usually (always?) better to use a function that provides boundry checks than one that doesn't. I'd say always, but I'm sure some one will come up with some bizzare, ass backwards way of using one to find an exception to the "always" clause.

Quzah.

[Stoned_Coder]

i know i was just too bloody lazy to mention it.

[GravtyKlz]

Well that works. I have a couple questions though. I did
strcpy(*ptr2, "new"); and now ptr and array read "new". However when I print out ptr2 its some jiberish...its now "new". Why is that?


Also if ptr2 is **ptr2 why strcpy(*ptr, "new"); ?

[quzah]

type **ptr2ptr
type *ptr
type instance;

ptr = & instance;
ptr2ptr = &ptr;

You dereference a pointer to get what it points at. Thus:

*ptr <-- This produces the value stored in 'instance'.
*ptr2ptr <-- Produces the value stored in 'ptr'.

**ptr2ptr <-- Produces the value stored in 'instance'.

Thus, if you want to use a pointer to a pointer as you would the pointer it points to, you add one level of indirection. This treats it like the point it points to. To further dereference that, you add one more.

Quzah.