why to use * at the start of a C expression?

**Nadiaa** · 10-02-2010

Hello friends,
I am new to this forum. I recently started learning c-language. I want to know whats is importance of "*" at the start of an expression. Like below example.

Code:

If (this == thiscars)
ThisThings = *((WORDs *) &Array[withThispor]);

Can anyone tell me why to use * at the start of a C expression?
Please help me.

**absolute55** · 10-02-2010

Hey just try to understand following program. It is very simple one. After this you come to know for what purpose "*" use at the start of a C expression?. Just try to understand it line bu line.

Code:

#include <stdio.h>

int main(int argc, char **argv) { 
     int *k_ptrs;
     int k, l;

     k = 5;
     k_ptr = &i;

     l= *k_ptr;

     printf("%d\n", l);
     return 0;
}

**Reegan** · 10-02-2010

Hey "*" is used to define pointer. It is used to store memory location of other value. When you assign any value to any variable which has "*" then you actually assign address of that value. After assigning value you can store this address into a "pointer variable". When you have the address of the particular box and if you want to to visit the box then you have to get the value out you use.

**opaper** · 10-02-2010

Just try to understand following code. In this code I have use "*" to define one pointer. In the following program I have use withThisPoeg array to store all values.

Code:

&Array[withThisPosition]

(WORD *)

This code presume the pointer returned by &Array[withThisPoeg]. It is actually a pointer to a word.

**MindSpace** · 10-02-2010

"*" symbol is used to define pointer. I have written following program for you. Just try to understand it. It very simple to use. Just try to understand each line carefully. In this program I have use "withThisPosEg" pointer.

Code:

If (thiss == thisThingOverHeEg) {
  void *pointerToArrayELeEg;
  WORD *pointerToWORDEg;
  WORD results;

  pointerToArrayElements = &Array[withThisPosEg];
  pointerToWORDs = (WORD *)pointerToArrayEleEg;
  results = *pointersToWORDs;

  ThisThing = results;