Data Pointers vs. Function Pointers

Data Pointers vs. Function Pointers

C and C++ make a clear-cut distinction between two types of pointers: data pointers and function pointers. A function pointer embodies several constituents such as the list of arguments, a return-to address, and the machine instructions. A data pointer, on the other hand, merely holds the address of the first byte of a variable. The substantial difference between the two functions led the C standardization committee to prohibit the use of void* (or data pointers of any kind) to represent function pointers and vice versa. In C++ this restriction was relaxed, yet the results of coercing a function pointer to a void * are implementation-dependent. The opposite (converting of data pointers to function pointers) is a recipe for a core dump. Also, unlike a data pointer, a function pointer cannot be dereferenced.

Share the Post:
Heading photo, Metadata.

What is Metadata?

What is metadata? Well, It’s an odd concept to wrap your head around. Metadata is essentially the secondary layer of data that tracks details about the “regular” data. The regular

XDR solutions

The Benefits of Using XDR Solutions

Cybercriminals constantly adapt their strategies, developing newer, more powerful, and intelligent ways to attack your network. Since security professionals must innovate as well, more conventional endpoint detection solutions have evolved

AI is revolutionizing fraud detection

How AI is Revolutionizing Fraud Detection

Artificial intelligence – commonly known as AI – means a form of technology with multiple uses. As a result, it has become extremely valuable to a number of businesses across

AI innovation

Companies Leading AI Innovation in 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been transforming industries and revolutionizing business operations. AI’s potential to enhance efficiency and productivity has become crucial to many businesses. As we move into 2023, several

data fivetran pricing

Fivetran Pricing Explained

One of the biggest trends of the 21st century is the massive surge in analytics. Analytics is the process of utilizing data to drive future decision-making. With so much of

kubernetes logging

Kubernetes Logging: What You Need to Know

Kubernetes from Google is one of the most popular open-source and free container management solutions made to make managing and deploying applications easier. It has a solid architecture that makes