A pointer variable is O the same thing as an array subscript dereferences a pointer and allows access to the value of the variable the pointer points to an operator that returns the memory address of a variable a variable that holds an address

Database System Concepts
7th Edition
ISBN:9780078022159
Author:Abraham Silberschatz Professor, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan
Publisher:Abraham Silberschatz Professor, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan
Chapter1: Introduction
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**Understanding Pointer Variables in Computer Programming**

A pointer variable is a crucial concept in computer programming, especially in languages such as C and C++. It is important to distinguish what a pointer variable is and its role in memory management. Below is a multiple-choice question to test your understanding:

**Question: A pointer variable is**

1. the same thing as an array subscript
2. dereferences a pointer and allows access to the value of the variable the pointer points to
3. an operator that returns the memory address of a variable
4. a variable that holds an address

The correct answer is **(4) a variable that holds an address**, as indicated by the blue selection circle next to this option.

### Explanation of Answer Choices:

1. **The same thing as an array subscript** - This is incorrect. An array subscript refers to the index used to access elements within an array, not a pointer variable.
2. **Dereferences a pointer and allows access to the value of the variable the pointer points to** - This describes the operation of dereferencing a pointer, not what a pointer variable itself is.
3. **An operator that returns the memory address of a variable** - This describes the address-of operator (often denoted by `&`), which is used to get the address of a variable, not the pointer variable.
4. **A variable that holds an address** - This is correct. A pointer variable stores the memory address of another variable, allowing for direct memory access and manipulation.

### Visual Explanation

The provided graphic is a simple multiple-choice format quiz question with the correct answer already selected. This type of question can help reinforce the concept of pointer variables and their significance in programming.

Learning how pointer variables operate will enable you to write more efficient and effective code, particularly in systems programming and resource-constrained environments. It also lays the groundwork for understanding more complex data structures and their implementations.
Transcribed Image Text:**Understanding Pointer Variables in Computer Programming** A pointer variable is a crucial concept in computer programming, especially in languages such as C and C++. It is important to distinguish what a pointer variable is and its role in memory management. Below is a multiple-choice question to test your understanding: **Question: A pointer variable is** 1. the same thing as an array subscript 2. dereferences a pointer and allows access to the value of the variable the pointer points to 3. an operator that returns the memory address of a variable 4. a variable that holds an address The correct answer is **(4) a variable that holds an address**, as indicated by the blue selection circle next to this option. ### Explanation of Answer Choices: 1. **The same thing as an array subscript** - This is incorrect. An array subscript refers to the index used to access elements within an array, not a pointer variable. 2. **Dereferences a pointer and allows access to the value of the variable the pointer points to** - This describes the operation of dereferencing a pointer, not what a pointer variable itself is. 3. **An operator that returns the memory address of a variable** - This describes the address-of operator (often denoted by `&`), which is used to get the address of a variable, not the pointer variable. 4. **A variable that holds an address** - This is correct. A pointer variable stores the memory address of another variable, allowing for direct memory access and manipulation. ### Visual Explanation The provided graphic is a simple multiple-choice format quiz question with the correct answer already selected. This type of question can help reinforce the concept of pointer variables and their significance in programming. Learning how pointer variables operate will enable you to write more efficient and effective code, particularly in systems programming and resource-constrained environments. It also lays the groundwork for understanding more complex data structures and their implementations.
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