Definition:
A pointer is a variable that stores the memory address of another variable.

Declaration Syntax:

data_type *pointer_name;

Example:

int a = 10;

int *ptr;

ptr = &a;  // ptr holds the address of variable ‘a’

Accessing the value using a pointer:

printf(“%d”, *ptr);  // Outputs 10

Why Pointers?

  • Used in dynamic memory allocation
  • To access array elements more efficiently
  • Used in functions to return multiple values
  • Essential for building complex data structures like linked lists

Pointer Operators:

  • & (Address-of operator)
  • * (Dereference operator)