20. C++ Pointers to Structure

C++ Pointers to Structure

In this article, you'll find relevant examples that will help you to work with pointers to access data within a structure.

A pointer variable can be created not only for native types like (int, float, double etc.) but they can also be created for user defined types like structure.
If you do not know what pointers are, visit C++ pointers.
Here is how you can create pointer for structures:

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

struct temp {
    int i;
    float f;
};

int main() {
    temp *ptr;
    return 0;
}

This program creates a pointer ptr of type structure temp.

---

Example: Pointers to Structure

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

struct Distance
{
    int feet;
    float inch;
};

int main()
{
    Distance *ptr, d;

    ptr = &d;
    
    cout << "Enter feet: ";
    cin >> (*ptr).feet;
    cout << "Enter inch: ";
    cin >> (*ptr).inch;
 
    cout << "Displaying information." << endl;
    cout << "Distance = " << (*ptr).feet << " feet " << (*ptr).inch << " inches";

    return 0;
}

Output

Enter feet: 4
Enter inch: 3.5
Displaying information.
Distance = 4 feet 3.5 inches

In this program, a pointer variable ptr and normal variable d of type structure Distance is defined.
The address of variable d is stored to pointer variable, that is, ptr is pointing to variable d. Then, the member function of variable d is accessed using pointer.
Note: Since pointer ptr is pointing to variable d in this program, (*ptr).inch and d.inchis exact same cell. Similarly, (*ptr).feet and d.feet is exact same cell.
The syntax to access member function using pointer is ugly and there is alternative notation -> which is more common.

ptr->feet is same as (*ptr).feet
ptr->inch is same as (*ptr).inch