by qqqqqqqq October 21, 2007
A data type found in computer programming languages such as C++. It is a variable that holds the memory address of another variable.
Dynamic allocation of memory is possible through the use of pointers.
Dynamic allocation of memory is possible through the use of pointers.
Examples using pointers:
int i = 5; // declares an integer with an initial value of 5
int *p = &i; // declares a pointer to an integer and assigns
the address of i to it
cout << i; // outputs the number 5 to the console
cout << &i; // outputs the address of i to the console
cout << p; // same result as above
cout << *p; // outputs the value pointed to by p (5)
*p = 10; // changes the value of i to 10
int *arr = new int n; // creates an array containing
n elements and assigns its address to arr
(dynamic allocation)
delete arr; // deletes the memory space arr points to
(does not delete the pointer itself!)
int i = 5; // declares an integer with an initial value of 5
int *p = &i; // declares a pointer to an integer and assigns
the address of i to it
cout << i; // outputs the number 5 to the console
cout << &i; // outputs the address of i to the console
cout << p; // same result as above
cout << *p; // outputs the value pointed to by p (5)
*p = 10; // changes the value of i to 10
int *arr = new int n; // creates an array containing
n elements and assigns its address to arr
(dynamic allocation)
delete arr; // deletes the memory space arr points to
(does not delete the pointer itself!)
by C++ Master May 4, 2007
by tatomuck1 October 25, 2008
by ravenmatthewsisbae May 1, 2016
A pointer is a data type of a programming language. Pointers are basically variables that can point to another location in memory.
Many programming headaches can be caused by the use of pointers if you're not sure what you're doing.
by obscure August 30, 2005
A person from Verplanck, New York that can be identified by their lack of teeth and extremely large foreheads.
by buchananrocks November 30, 2012
An ineffective member of Top Level Mgmt bought in when a work situation has become troublesome but a shouter has failed to bring things back on track. Whilst the aim is for the pointer to fix things by putting the fear of god into a team they generally fail and pass the blame to other members of the team as a result gaining a significant bonus.
Christ alive, they've got a pointer involved, watch your back
The pointer has had his bonus, have you seen his new Bentley?
The pointer has had his bonus, have you seen his new Bentley?
by j5hrp May 29, 2009