Pointers as Function Parameters

Pointer Parameters
- A pointer to the object is passed rather than the object itself.
- This is similar to passing by reference.
- To access the object within the function, the pointer parameter must be dereferenced.
- Example - int LetterCount(string* ps);
Array Parameters
- A pointer to the first element of the array is passed.
- It may be treated as a pointer.
- Example - void Sort(int list[]);
Functions in C
- C did not allow reference parameters.
- Pointers were passed if
  - The parameter needed to be modified, or
  - The object was larger than 4 bytes.
Example - LetterCount.cpp

This page was last modified on Oct 20, 2000

URL: http://people.hsc.edu/faculty-staff/robbk/Coms262/Lectures/PtrsFunctionParameters.html