C Programming - Converting exist function into function that uses pointers

Hey. So I have never truly been able to understand pointers and need a little help. I wrote a small program that finds the number of words in a dictionary file but then my teacher told me that I need to rewrite it so that the function reads int WordCount(struct dict_node* head). However I had idea where to begin the conversion. Any guidance would be much appreciated!

insert

Code:

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int WordCount(void){

        int WordCount;
        char buffer[100];
        FILE*fptr;
        WordCount = 0;
       
        fptr = fopen("dictionary.txt", "r"); // opens the dictionary file
       
        //counts the number of words within the file
        while(fscanf(fptr, "%s", &buffer) == 1){
                        WordCount++;
        }               
        fclose(fptr); //closes the file
       
return WordCount;

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What is the modified function supposed to do? Also, what is a struct dict_node?

Its suppose to do the same thing as the function I already wrote but he wont expect it because int WordCount(struct dict_node* head). Its I think (dont understand it very well) dict_node structure, teacher never really explained this to us.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Klcastillo

Its suppose to do the same thing as the function I already wrote but he wont expect it because int WordCount(struct dict_node* head).

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If that is the case, then the solution is exceedingly simple ;)

Code:

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int WordCount(struct dict_node* head){
 
    int WordCount;
    char buffer[100];
    FILE*fptr;
    WordCount = 0;
   
    fptr = fopen("dictionary.txt", "r"); // opens the dictionary file
   
    //counts the number of words within the file
    while(fscanf(fptr, "%s", &buffer) == 1){
            WordCount++;
    }     
    fclose(fptr); //closes the file
   
    return WordCount;
}

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But of course, you probably have the feeling that it is not so simple, because you must be expected to do something with the parameter. As such, the function is not supposed to do the same thing as what you already have, so you need to find out what it is.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Klcastillo

Its I think (dont understand it very well) dict_node structure, teacher never really explained this to us.

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Then you need to find out, because this is critical for you to get this right. I have my guesses, but I cannot explain to you what is struct dict_node without knowing what it is, which I don't. Consult your teacher if necessary.

Sounds like your teacher has asked you for something a lot more complex. Especially as he expects you to deal with a "dict_node" called "head". Sounds like some sort of linked-list to me. There's a lot more "API" here that you've stated, and only your teacher knows what he actually expects of you.

Sounds like you've missed out a lot of the point of the assignment.