Pointers vs Array in C++

Arrays and pointers are two derived data types in C++ that have a lot in common. In some cases, we can even use pointers in place of arrays. But even though they are so closely related, they are still different entities.

In this article, we will study how the arrays and pointers are different from each other in C++.

What is an Array?

An array is the collection of multiple items of the same type stored in contiguous memory locations. While declaring Arrays, the size should be mentioned and their indexing starts from 0 in C++.

The position of each element can be calculated by adding an offset to the base value, i.e., the memory location of the first element of the array.

Syntax

datatype var_name[size_of_array] = {elements};

Example

// C++ Program to demonstrate the arrays
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main()
{
    int i, j;
    // Declaring array
    int a[5];
    // Insert elements in array
    for (i = 0; i < 5; i++) 
    {
        a[i] = i + 1;
    }
    // Print elements of array
    for (j = 0; j < 5; j++) 
    {
        cout << a[j] << " ";
    }
    return 0;
}

1 2 3 4 5 

What are Pointers?

A pointer is the symbolic representation of addresses. It stores the address of variables or memory location. Pointers enable programmers to create and manipulate dynamic data structures. Variables can be of type int, array, char, function, or any other pointer.

Syntax

datatype *var_name;

Example:

// C++ program to implement Pointers
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
// Driver code
int main()
{
    int a = 20;
    int* ptr;
    ptr = &a;
    cout << a << " " << ptr << 
            " " << *ptr;
    return 0;
}

20 0x7ffe2ae2d4ec 20

Arrays vs Pointers

The following table list the points that distinguish the arrays and pointers from each other:

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