9 Pointers and Dynamic Arrays

1. 9.1 Pointers 510

   1. Pointer Variables 511

   2. Basic Memory Management 518

   3. Pitfall: Dangling Pointers 519

   4. Static Variables and Automatic Variables 520

   5. Programming Tip: Define Pointer Types 520

2. 9.2 Dynamic Arrays 523

   1. Array Variables and Pointer Variables 523

   2. Creating and Using Dynamic Arrays 524

   3. Pointer Arithmetic (Optional) 530

   4. Multidimensional Dynamic Arrays (Optional) 532

1. Chapter Summary 534

2. Answers to Self-Test Exercises 534

3. Practice Programs 535

4. Programming Projects 536

Memory is necessary for all the operations of reason.

BLAISE PASCAL, Pensées

Introduction

A pointer is a construct that gives you more control of the computer’s memory. This chapter shows how pointers are used with arrays and introduces a new form of array called a dynamic array. Dynamic arrays are arrays whose size is determined while the program is running, rather than being fixed when the program is written.

Prerequisites

Section 9.1, which covers the basics of pointers, uses material from Chapters 2 through 6. It does not require any of the material from Chapters 7 or 8. Section 9.2, which covers dynamic arrays, uses material from Section 9.1, and Chapters 2 through 7. It does not require any of the material from Chapter 8.