Pointer Usage???

[AppDevTrainee]

Just simply wondering if pointer variablesis just something that is commmony struggled with. Just wanted to make sure it wasnt just me who didnt understand it that clearly. And also...for those who are experienced programmers. How necessary is it to include pointers in your code?? If very very necessary (as assumed)...i also assume it is vital that i have a strong understanding of pointers. Right?

[shacktar]

Just simply wondering if pointer variables is just something that is commmony struggled with

Yep.

wanted to make sure it wasnt just me who didnt understand it that clearly

Nope.

for those who are experienced programmers. How necessary is it to include pointers in your code??

In C++, pointers are mostly used for implementing polymorphism among objects, dynamic memory, and interfacing with C APIs (and interfacing with other C++ APIs that use pointers). In theory, you can get around pointers in most cases if you drop polymorphism, re-implement APIs, use STL for all your dynamic memory needs, and use C++ references only for pass-by-reference. In other words, there's no way around them :p

i also assume it is vital that i have a strong understanding of pointers

Pointers are variables that store a memory location. You can access what is in that memory location by "dereferencing" them (using the * operator). Theoretically, that's it.

[metulburr]

I struggle like hell learning C++. I reread chapter after chapter, not only from the same book either.

[AppDevTrainee]

oh well thank you so much :) question....very accurately answered. Very helpful..thanks