Object Oriented Programming with C++, Second Edition

12.4 POINTERS AND ARRAYS

The pointer finds its power when working with arrays. It can work with arrays in a very friendly manner. Consider the following declarations:

int marks[10];

int *p ;

We have declared an array of 10 elements of type integer and a pointer pointing to type integer. Now we set p to point to first array element by

p = &marks[0];

Now *p means marks[0]. Pointer p contains the address of the first array element. If you say (p+3) it will mean you are referring to address of marks[3]. If you say *(p+3) it will mean marks[3]. Our language gives you a still better method of referencing array elements. It allows you to say p[7]. It means marks[7]. Is it not interesting? Use this facility with caution. p[7] is provided to you as shorthand ...