What are some examples of const pointers in C++?

What are some examples of const pointers in C++?

In C++, a const pointer is a pointer that cannot change the address it points to after initialization. For example:

int value = 10;
int* const ptr = &value; // ptr is a const pointer to an int

Can you explain how this works in practice?

Sure! Since ptr is a const pointer, you cannot reassign it to point to another variable. However, you can modify the value it points to:

*ptr = 20; // This is allowed, value is now 20
// ptr = &anotherValue; // This would cause a compilation error

What about const pointers to const data?

A const pointer to const data means you cannot change either the pointer or the data it points to. For example:

const int* const ptr2 = &value; // ptr2 cannot change the address or the value

Are there any common use cases for const pointers?

Yes, const pointers are often used in function parameters to ensure that the function does not modify the data being pointed to, while also preventing the pointer itself from being changed.