What is a pointer in C?

Can you explain what a pointer is in C?

Sure! A pointer in C is a variable that stores the memory address of another variable.

Why would I use pointers instead of regular variables?

Pointers allow for dynamic memory allocation, efficient array handling, and the ability to modify variables directly.

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

Of course! Here's a simple example:

int a = 10;
int *p = &a; // p now holds the address of a
printf("Value of a: %d", *p); // Dereferencing p gives the value of a

What are the common mistakes to avoid when using pointers?

Common mistakes include dereferencing null pointers, forgetting to allocate memory, and memory leaks.