Chapter 9.9, Problem 9.17CP

Explanation of Solution

Returning a pointer from the function:

Pointers can be returned from the function only if the reference pointer variable that points exists in the function.

Circumstance for successful return of a pointer:

The circumstances for returning pointer successful are listed below:

• When a pointer is passed as an argument in a function that is called.
  • When a pointer variable is defined locally within the function there may be possibility for the contents of the variables being destructed after execution of the function. This can cause unexpected results.
• When pointer gets chunk of memory allocated dynamically.
  • When a variable is allocated dynamically, the contents will be available until the compiler executes the delete operation.

Example:

// Include the necessary headers

#include <iostream>

using namespace std;

//function prototype to get alphabets

char *getalphabets();

//function prototype to display the array elements

void disparray(char[], int);

//main method

int main()

{

//variable declaration

const int SIZE = 3;

// get alphabets from the user

char *chkname = getalphabets();

//displays the content of array

cout << "The alphabets you enter...