C++ Pointer Operators – Access and Manipulate Memory Addresses

Introduction – What Are Pointer Operators in C++?

Pointer operators in C++ are used to access and manipulate memory addresses. They allow you to work with pointers, which are variables that store the memory address of another variable. These operators are essential in low-level memory management, dynamic allocation, and data structure manipulation.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The core pointer operators: & and *
• How to declare and use pointers
• Use cases for indirection and address access
• Examples with arrays, functions, and dynamic memory

Core Pointer Operators in C++

Declaring and Using Pointers

int x = 10;
int* ptr = &x;   // Pointer holds the address of x

cout << *ptr;    // Dereference to access the value (10)

ptr stores the address of x
*ptr accesses the value at that address

Address-of Operator &

Returns the address in memory where a variable is stored.

int age = 30;
cout << &age;   // Outputs address like 0x61ff0c

✴️ Dereference Operator *

Used to access or modify the value at the pointer’s address.

int x = 50;
int* p = &x;

*p = 100;       // Changes x to 100

Pointer Example with Arrays

int arr[] = {1, 2, 3};
int* p = arr;

cout << *p;      // Outputs 1
cout << *(p + 1); // Outputs 2

Pointers and Dynamic Memory

int* ptr = new int;
*ptr = 42;
delete ptr;

new allocates memory
delete deallocates it to avoid memory leaks

Pointer to Pointer (Double Pointer)

int val = 5;
int* ptr = &val;
int** dptr = &ptr;

cout << **dptr;  // Outputs 5

Common Mistakes

Summary – Recap & Next Steps

Key Takeaways:

• & gives a variable’s address, * accesses the value at an address
• Pointers enable dynamic memory, arrays, and efficient parameter passing
• Be cautious with memory leaks and null pointers
• Prefer smart pointers (std::unique_ptr, std::shared_ptr) in modern C++

Real-World Relevance:
Pointer operators are essential in embedded systems, data structures (like linked lists), dynamic memory management, and performance optimization.

FAQs – C++ Pointer Operators

What does * mean in pointer context?
It dereferences a pointer — accessing the value stored at the address.

What does & return in C++?
It returns the memory address of a variable.

Can I assign one pointer to another?
Yes. Both pointers should point to the same data type.

What is a null pointer?
A pointer that doesn’t point to any valid memory. Use nullptr in C++11+.

Should I always use raw pointers?
No. Use smart pointers (std::unique_ptr, etc.) when possible to avoid manual memory issues.