[SOLVED] Passing input arguments by reference in C.

stf92 · 08-19-2011, 02:19 PM

Hi:
Is it common practice in C to write functions with an input argument such that the caller passes a pointer as the input argument? Example:

Code:

int john(struct bridge *arg1)
{
FUNCTION BODY
}

struct bridge _arg1;

int_1 = john(&_arg1);

ta0kira · 08-19-2011, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stf92

Hi:
Is it common practice in C to write functions with an input argument such that the caller passes a pointer as the input argument?

This is the most common way to pass struct arguments in C, often with the const qualifier if the argument isn't going to be changed. This is apparent when you start using Linux/Unix C functions.
Kevin Barry

stf92 · 08-19-2011, 02:42 PM

Thanks a lot.

MTK358 · 08-19-2011, 06:15 PM

The reason for that is because it's much more efficient to copy a pointer than a large struct.

Another use for it is for the function to be able to modify variables passed as parameters.

stf92 · 08-19-2011, 08:24 PM

Thanks a lot, MTK358.