pointer

[peterx]

We have two programs. First program is
whit POINTER and the second program is without the Pointer.
Both program print out the same result. but why we should use POINTER.

/*Cube a variable using call-by-reference with a pointeargument*/
#include <stdio.h>
   void cubeByReference( int *nPtr ); 
   int main()
{
        int number = 5; 
        printf( "The original value of number is %d", number );
 
        cubeByReference( &number );
        printf( "\nThe new value of number is %d\n", number );
  return 0; 
} 
void cubeByReference( int *nPtr )
{
   *nPtr = *nPtr * *nPtr * *nPtr; 
}

#include <stdio.h>
int cubeByValue( int n ); /* prototype */
  int main()
{
   int number = 5; 
   printf( "The original value of number is %d", number );
   number = cubeByValue( number );

   printf( "\nThe new value of number is %d\n", number );
   return 0; 
} 
int cubeByValue( int n )
{
   return n * n * n;   

}

[kermit]

Well, just as it was mentioned in this thread of yours, that it all depends on what you want to do. Opinions vary, but I would tend to think that if you don't need a pointer, don't use it. On the other hand, if its the easiest way to get the job done, go for it.

[quzah]

Look at the two functions, and notice a difference in how they work. That's the point of this exercise.


Quzah.