Programming Example
Facts about function pointers
some interesting facts about function pointers
#include <stdio.h>
// A normal function with an int parameter
// and void return type
void fun(int a)
{
printf("Value of a is %d\n", a);
}
int main()
{
void (*fun_ptr)(int) = fun; // & removed
fun_ptr(10); // * removed
return 0;
}
Value of a is 10
1. Unlike normal pointers, a function pointer points to code, not data. Typically a function pointer stores the start of the executable code.
2. Unlike normal pointers, we do not allocate de-allocate memory using function pointers.
3. A function’s name can also be used to get functions’ address. For example, in the below program, we have removed address operator ‘&’ in assignment. We have also changed function call by removing *, the program still works.
First read the algorithm, then study the program code line by line. After that, compare the code with the output and finally go through the explanation. This approach helps learners understand both the logic and the implementation properly.
After understanding this example, try to rewrite the same program without looking at the code. Then change some values or logic and run it again. This helps improve confidence and keeps learners engaged on the page for longer.