Raw Pointers

Raw pointers are a low-level programming concept that directly store memory addresses, allowing developers to access and manipulate data in memory without automatic memory management. They are fundamental in languages like C and C++, enabling direct control over hardware resources and efficient data structures. However, they require manual memory allocation and deallocation, which can lead to errors such as memory leaks or dangling pointers if not handled carefully.

Also known as: C pointers, bare pointers, native pointers, memory pointers, pointer variables

Why learn Raw Pointers?

Developers should learn raw pointers when working with system-level programming, embedded systems, or performance-critical applications where fine-grained memory control is essential. They are crucial for implementing data structures like linked lists or trees, interfacing with hardware, and optimizing resource usage in low-level languages. However, in modern high-level development, alternatives like smart pointers are often preferred for safety.

Learning Resources

• tutorial: Pointers in C/C++ – GeeksforGeeks
• docs: C++ Pointers – cppreference.com
• tutorial: Pointers in C Programming – freeCodeCamp
• course: Memory Management in C++ – Udemy Course
• video: Pointers Explained – YouTube Video by The Cherno