What is the difference between void pointers and typed pointers in C?

What is the difference between void pointers and typed pointers in C?

In C, a void pointer is a pointer that does not have a specific data type associated with it, while a typed pointer points to a specific data type. This means you can assign a void pointer to any data type without casting, but you need to cast it back to the appropriate type before dereferencing.

Can you give me an example of how to use a void pointer?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

void *ptr;
int num = 10;
ptr = # // Assigning the address of an integer to a void pointer

// To access the value, you need to cast it back:
printf("%d", *(int *)ptr); // Output: 10

What are the advantages of using void pointers?

Void pointers are flexible because they can point to any data type, making them useful for generic functions. However, they require careful casting to ensure type safety.

Are there any disadvantages to using void pointers?

Yes, the main disadvantage is that you lose type safety, which can lead to runtime errors if you mistakenly dereference a void pointer without proper casting.