C++ Pointers

🧠 What is a Pointer in C++?

A pointer is like a signpost that shows the address of a variable in memory. 🏷️

Instead of storing a value, it stores the location of that value.

📦 Pointer Basics

• * – declares a pointer
• & – gets the address of a variable
• * (again) – accesses the value at the address (dereferencing)

🔧 Example: Declare and Use a Pointer

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    int age = 30;
    int* ptr = &age;

    cout << "Age: " << age << endl;
    cout << "Address of age: " << &age << endl;
    cout << "Pointer value (address): " << ptr << endl;
    cout << "Value using pointer: " << *ptr << endl;

    return 0;
}

🎯 Why Use Pointers?

• To access memory directly
• To pass values by reference (efficient!)
• To work with dynamic memory (using new and delete)

🛠️ Modify Value via Pointer

Let’s change a value using its pointer.

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    int num = 100;
    int* p = &num;

    *p = 200;  // Change value through pointer

    cout << "Updated value: " << num << endl;

    return 0;
}

💡 Summary

• Pointers store memory addresses, not direct values
• Use & to get the address, and * to access the value
• Pointers are essential for reference passing and dynamic memory

Pointers might look tricky, but with a bit of practice, you’ll point like a pro! 🎯