Data types for "pointing" at other values: A pointer's value is a memory address where the pointed-to value is stored. This tag should be used for questions involving the use of pointers, not references. Common programming languages using pointers are C, C++, Go, and assembly and intermediate-representation languages; use a specific language tag. Other helpful tags should describe what is being pointed-to (e.g. a function, a struct etc.)
A pointer is a data type that "points to" another value stored in memory using its address. Using a pointer rather than the pointed-to entity often holds performance benefits in repetitive operations. For example, copying a pointer is very often "cheaper" than copying the value that it points to: The pointee may be a large data structure, or its copying may be non-trivial, involving memory-location dependent values, while with a pointer - only the address must be copied.
Pointers are an important concept in many high-level programming languages, including C and C++. The Wikipedia page on pointers has a fairly in-depth introduction to the concept.
Please consult some of the following content for a more in-depth explanation of pointers.
- What are the barriers to Understanding Pointers and What Can be Done to Overcome them?
- Eric Lippert: What are the fundamental rules of pointers?
- C Programming/Pointers and arrays
- Explanation of Pointers
Books
See also
