Course Content

C++ Pointers and References

1. Pointers Fundamentals

Introduction to Pointer Assigning Addresses to Pointers Link Between Pointer and Variable Pointers Use Cases

2. Pointer Arithmetic

Introduction to Pointer Arithmetic Pointer Arithmetic Practice Arrays and Pointers Connection Array Pointer Arithmetic Practice

3. References Fundamentals

Introduction to References Reference Use Cases Rvalue and Lvalue References Reference vs Pointers

4. Dynamic Memory Allocation

Introduction to Memory Dynamic Allocation Dynamic Allocation of the Array Pointer to Pointer Dynamic Allocation Summary and Overview

Pointers Use Cases

When you pass a variable to a function, you're essentially passing its value. This means the function receives a copy of the data. Any modifications made inside the function DO NOT affect the original variable.

main


              12345678910
            
#include <iostream>

void increment(int num) { num++; }

int main() 
{
    int num = 5;
    increment(num);
    std::cout << "Original value: " << num << std::endl;
}

We can use pointers to enable a function to alter the original variable. This involves passing a memory address as an argument instead of the actual value.

main


              123456789101112
            
#include <iostream>

void increment(int* num) { (*num)++; }

int main() 
{
	int num = 5;
    int* p_num = &num;	

    increment(p_num);
    std::cout << "Original value: " << num << std::endl;
}

Note

You can bypass the creation of a pointer to a variable and instead directly use the address-of operator when passing a variable.

Task

Swipe to show code editor

Create a function that swaps values of two variables.
Call this function.
Output the values of variables after the swap.

Switch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below

Everything was clear?

Thanks for your feedback!

Section 1. Chapter 4

Pointers Use Cases

main


              12345678910
            
#include <iostream>

void increment(int num) { num++; }

int main() 
{
    int num = 5;
    increment(num);
    std::cout << "Original value: " << num << std::endl;
}

We can use pointers to enable a function to alter the original variable. This involves passing a memory address as an argument instead of the actual value.

main


              123456789101112
            
#include <iostream>

void increment(int* num) { (*num)++; }

int main() 
{
	int num = 5;
    int* p_num = &num;	

    increment(p_num);
    std::cout << "Original value: " << num << std::endl;
}

Note

You can bypass the creation of a pointer to a variable and instead directly use the address-of operator when passing a variable.

Task

Swipe to show code editor

Create a function that swaps values of two variables.
Call this function.
Output the values of variables after the swap.

Switch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below

Everything was clear?

Thanks for your feedback!

Section 1. Chapter 4

Pointers Use Cases

main


              12345678910
            
#include <iostream>

void increment(int num) { num++; }

int main() 
{
    int num = 5;
    increment(num);
    std::cout << "Original value: " << num << std::endl;
}

We can use pointers to enable a function to alter the original variable. This involves passing a memory address as an argument instead of the actual value.

main


              123456789101112
            
#include <iostream>

void increment(int* num) { (*num)++; }

int main() 
{
	int num = 5;
    int* p_num = &num;	

    increment(p_num);
    std::cout << "Original value: " << num << std::endl;
}

Note

You can bypass the creation of a pointer to a variable and instead directly use the address-of operator when passing a variable.

Task

Swipe to show code editor

Create a function that swaps values of two variables.
Call this function.
Output the values of variables after the swap.

Switch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below

Everything was clear?

Thanks for your feedback!

main


              12345678910
            
#include <iostream>

void increment(int num) { num++; }

int main() 
{
    int num = 5;
    increment(num);
    std::cout << "Original value: " << num << std::endl;
}

We can use pointers to enable a function to alter the original variable. This involves passing a memory address as an argument instead of the actual value.

main


              123456789101112
            
#include <iostream>

void increment(int* num) { (*num)++; }

int main() 
{
	int num = 5;
    int* p_num = &num;	

    increment(p_num);
    std::cout << "Original value: " << num << std::endl;
}

Note

You can bypass the creation of a pointer to a variable and instead directly use the address-of operator when passing a variable.

Task

Swipe to show code editor

Create a function that swaps values of two variables.
Call this function.
Output the values of variables after the swap.

Switch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below

Section 1. Chapter 4

Switch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below