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Pointers to Functions

Passing pointers to functions in C allows for call by reference, enabling direct modification of variables in the calling function and efficient handling of large data structures. The syntax involves using pointer variables as function parameters, and an example demonstrates swapping two numbers using pointers. Key points include the ability to modify actual arguments and the importance of proper dereferencing of pointers.

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2 views2 pages

Pointers to Functions

Passing pointers to functions in C allows for call by reference, enabling direct modification of variables in the calling function and efficient handling of large data structures. The syntax involves using pointer variables as function parameters, and an example demonstrates swapping two numbers using pointers. Key points include the ability to modify actual arguments and the importance of proper dereferencing of pointers.

Uploaded by

Jis Paul
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Passing Pointers to Functions in C (Call by Reference)

Passing pointers to functions in C refers to the process of providing the address of a


variable (instead of its value) as an argument to a function. This allows the function to
access and modify the original variable directly, enabling call by reference behavior.

Why Pass Pointers to a Function?

Passing pointers allows:

 Direct modification of variables in the calling function (i.e., call by reference).


 Efficient data handling, especially for large structures or arrays.

Syntax
void function_name(datatype *pointer_variable);

Example: Swap Two Numbers Using Pointers


#include <stdio.h>

// Function that takes two integer pointers


void swap(int *a, int *b)
{
int temp = *a;
*a = *b;
*b = temp;
}

int main()
{
int x = 10, y = 20;

printf("Before Swap: x = %d, y = %d\n", x, y);

// Passing addresses of x and y


swap(&x, &y);

printf("After Swap: x = %d, y = %d\n", x, y);

return 0;
}

Explanation

 swap takes pointers to int as arguments: int *a, int *b.


 &x and &y pass the addresses of x and y to the function.
 Inside swap, *a and *b access and modify the values directly in memory.
Key Points

 Pointer parameters allow functions to modify actual arguments.


 Especially useful for swapping, dynamic memory, returning multiple values, etc.
 Always ensure proper dereferencing of pointers when used.

Previous Year Questions:

1. Explain how pointers can be passed to functions in C.


2. What is meant by passing arguments into a function by reference? Write a program to swap
two numbers using pass by reference.

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