What is a pointer in C?
a) A variable that stores the address of another variable
b) A variable that stores a constant value
c) A variable that stores multiple values
d) A variable that stores a string
Answer:
a) A variable that stores the address of another variable
Explanation:
A pointer in C is a variable that stores the memory address of another variable. Pointers are powerful tools in C programming because they allow you to directly access and manipulate memory. This capability is essential for dynamic memory allocation, passing variables by reference, and building complex data structures like linked lists and trees. Pointers are declared using the asterisk (*) symbol. For example, int *ptr; declares a pointer to an integer.
Understanding pointers is crucial for mastering C programming, as they enable efficient memory management and the creation of dynamic data structures.