Array, pointer relationship.

I wonder why in the following code example 1 is written like it is and not like I wrote down in example 2. What are the differences between them and is there a reason for having the * outside of the ()?

Code:

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#include <iostream>

const int ARRAY_LENGHT = 5;

int main()
{
    using namespace std;

    // an array of 5 integers initialized to 5 values
    int Numbers [ARRAY_LENGHT] = {0, 100, 200, 300, 400};

    // pInt points to the first element
    const int *pInt = Numbers;

    cout << "Using a pointer to print the contents of the array: " << endl;

    for (int nIndex = 0; nIndex < ARRAY_LENGHT; ++ nIndex)
    {
        cout << "Element [" << nIndex << "] = " << *(pInt + nIndex) << endl;
    }

    return 0;
}

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Example 1:

Code:

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cout << "Element [" << nIndex << "] = " << *(pInt + nIndex) << endl;

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Example 2:

Code:

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cout << "Element [" << nIndex << "] = " << (*pInt + nIndex) << endl;

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The first moves the pointer pInt along in memory, then dereferences. The second dereferences the pointer to get the value of Numbers[0], then adds the index to that value.

I am a bit confused now. Could you explain that with an example and what the output would be from that example?

It's the difference between changing the address in memory that you are looking at, and changing the VALUE of the thing at the pointer address.
E.g. For your first example, say, your pointer pInt is pointing to the address 100, and nIndex has the value 5, your result will be whatever is at the address 105.

In the second, You are getting the value of whatever is at the address 100 and adding 5 to that.

Ok, so in the first example it first does the calculation between the () and then stores that value in the pointer?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kitt3n

Ok, so in the first example it first does the calculation between the () and then stores that value in the pointer?

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No. It is not storing any value, it is actually reading the value from the nIndex of the array.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kitt3n

I am a bit confused now. Could you explain that with an example and what the output would be from that example?

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The first would give you 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 (moving the pointer forward in memory).

The second would give you 0, 1,2 ,3 ,4 (always using Numbers[0], then adding the index afterwards).

* is used to dereference pointers, i.e., get the data they are pointing at.

*(pInt + nIndex) is the same as saying 'give me the data stored at memory location nIndex bytes from the location of pInt'.

*pInt + nIndex is only derefencing pInt so it's the same as saying 'give me the data pInt is pointing to and add nIndex to that value'.