C pointer to array/array of pointers disambiguation
I don't know if it has an official name, but I call it the Right-Left Thingy(TM).
Start at the variable, then go right, and left, and right...and so on.
int* arr1[8];
arr1 is an array of 8 pointers to integers.
int (*arr2)[8];
arr2 is a pointer (the parenthesis block the right-left) to an array of 8 integers.
int *(arr3[8]);
arr3 is an array of 8 pointers to integers.
This should help you out with complex declarations.
Here is a great article about reading complex declarations in C: unixwiz.net/techtips/reading-cdecl.html
The ``Clockwise/Spiral Rule''
There is a technique known as the ``Clockwise/Spiral Rule'' which enables any C programmer to parse in their head any C declaration!
There are three simple steps to follow:
- Starting with the unknown element, move in a spiral/clockwise direction; when ecountering the following elements replace them with the corresponding english statements:
- [X] or []
- => Array X size of... or Array undefined size of...
- (type1, type2)
- => function passing type1 and type2 returning...
- *
- => pointer(s) to...
- Keep doing this in a spiral/clockwise direction until all tokens have been covered.
- Always resolve anything in parenthesis first!
中文翻译版本https://blog.csdn.net/zxc1647752801/article/details/90108185