[SOLVED] c++ variable type followed by *

bluegospel · 07-01-2010, 09:30 AM

In C++ what does the suffix, "*" mean appended to a variable type, e.g., "char* variable1;"?

Sergei Steshenko · 07-01-2010, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluegospel

In C++ what does the suffix, "*" mean appended to a variable type, e.g., "char* variable1;"?

Ever heard of pointers ?

bluegospel · 07-01-2010, 09:47 AM

I've heard of them, but have a vague understanding. I think when I was studying perl maybe a year ago, pointers had something to do with references to data in memory, maybe like links? I'm struggling here. I'll google this.

Sergei Steshenko · 07-01-2010, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluegospel

I've heard of them, but have a vague understanding. I think when I was studying perl maybe a year ago, pointers had something to do with references to data in memory, maybe like links? I'm struggling here. I'll google this.

Perl has references while C++ has both references and pointers; Perl references are different from C++ ones.

Just read a book/tutorial on "C" first, specifically studying pointers. C++ is an almost strict "C" superset, so understanding pointers in "C" will be of direct use in C++. After that it'll be easier for you to grasp references.