C++ Fundamentals · Arrays & Pointers · Lesson 18 of 24
Pointers and Arrays
Concept
Pointers and Arrays
An array's name decays to a pointer to its first element, which is why pointer arithmetic can walk through an array.
By the end of this lesson
- Explain the core idea behind Pointers and Arrays.
- Predict output before running a change.
- Test one realistic and one unusual input.
- Use the result to make the next decision.
How to study this page
- 1. Read one concept.
- 2. Change the example.
- 3. Run, compare, and explain.
- 4. Complete the challenge below.
ExampleRunnable
int arr[3] = {1, 2, 3};
int* p = arr;
std::cout << *(p + 1) << std::endl;Self-check before continuing
Without looking at the example, describe what changes when you modify one input in Pointers and Arrays. Then reopen the editor and prove your explanation with a small test.
You are ready to continue when you can predict, test, and explain the result.
Your turn
Use pointer arithmetic to print the second element of an array.
Loading editor…
Console