C++ and pointers....wth?

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C++ and pointers....wth? - Jul.-24th-2008 13:46:26

g3nkie

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Ok, are pointers really difficult or are they just flying over my head? I'm kind of getting them the more I read about them but why would you need to use them?

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RE: C++ and pointers....wth? - Jul.-24th-2008 14:14:27

ItsDubC

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Pointers can be pretty tough to grasp at 1st. As you probably already know, a pointer refers to another variable or datatype via its address in memory. Memory operations are very fast, which is why using pointers can be very handy.

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RE: C++ and pointers....wth? - Jul.-24th-2008 14:20:32

g3nkie

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Thx for the response :) I got that much so far but as to why you would use them is still getting to me. I'm sure I'll understand more once I actually get to start using them in programs. I definitely hit a wall with pointers though.

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RE: C++ and pointers....wth? - Jul.-24th-2008 14:30:44

ItsDubC

Posts: 1896
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From: My Childhood
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Pointers are all about efficiency IMHO. Using them can make a program or routine run much faster than without. This is why pointers are used a lot in game development. They also make repetitive operations faster. You'll see what I mean when you learn about data structures such as linked lists and binary trees. I used to have trouble grasping pointers just like you but they're a godsend later on for certain applications.

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The phrase Next Gen[eration] is cited as a frequently-used buzzword, in which case its meaning is intentionally vague, but carries a connotation of newness or modernness.
- Wikipedia

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