Constant Pointer vs. Pointer to a Constant

Let's explore the differences between a pointer to a constant, a constant pointer, and a constant pointer to a constant in C with detailed code examples:

1. Pointer to a Constant:

   • A pointer to a constant is a pointer that points to a constant value. The value being pointed to cannot be modified through the pointer.

    #include <stdio.h>

    int main() {
        const int num = 10;
        int anotherNum = 20;

        // Pointer to a constant
        const int *ptrToConst = &num;

        // Uncommenting the line below will result in a compilation error
        // *ptrToConst = 30;

        printf("Value pointed by ptrToConst: %d\n", *ptrToConst);

        return 0;
    }

In this example, ptrToConst is a pointer that points to a constant integer (num). You cannot modify the value through this pointer.

1. Constant Pointer:

   • A constant pointer is a pointer whose address cannot be changed after initialization.

    #include <stdio.h>

    int main() {
        int num = 10;
        int anotherNum = 20;

        // Constant pointer
        int *const constPtr = &num;

        // Uncommenting the line below will result in a compilation error
        // constPtr = &anotherNum;

        printf("Value pointed by constPtr: %d\n", *constPtr);

        return 0;
    }

Here, constPtr is a constant pointer pointing to an integer. The pointer's address cannot be changed after initialization.

1. Constant Pointer to a Constant:

   • A constant pointer to a constant is a pointer whose both the address and the value being pointed to cannot be changed after initialization.

    #include <stdio.h>

    int main() {
        const int num = 10;
        int anotherNum = 20;

        // Constant pointer to a constant
        const int *const constPtrToConst = &num;

        // Uncommenting either of the lines below will result in a compilation error
        // constPtrToConst = &anotherNum;
        // *constPtrToConst = 30;

        printf("Value pointed by constPtrToConst: %d\n", *constPtrToConst);

        return 0;
    }

In this case, constPtrToConst is a constant pointer pointing to a constant integer. Both the pointer's address and the value it points to cannot be changed after initialization.

Understanding and using these concepts correctly can help in creating more robust and maintainable code, especially when dealing with constant values and pointers in C.