Is p = array the same as p = &array[0]?

Question

int numbers[20];
int * p;

Are the two assignments below the same?

p = numbers;
p = &numbers[0];

Although it is not a duplicate, but it is interesting to note the related syntax : Difference between &(*similarObject) and similarObject? Are they not same? — Sarfaraz Nawaz
– Sarfaraz Nawaz, Commented Oct 8, 2011 at 17:41
@Nawaz: What is the purpose of linking a completely different Q with this? How are they related? If anything needs to be linked as useful to the OP it has to be the FAQ entry: How do I use arrays in C++.Please refrain from linking irrelevant Q's or Answers just because they were answered by you instead link relevant correct answers. — Alok Save
– Alok Save, Commented Oct 8, 2011 at 17:58
@Als: I find that interesting and somehow related, syntax-wise, hence I posted as a comment, not as duplicate. A link to an interesting topic is far better than many of your comments which you post, plus since it is just a comment, so cheer. No need to policing on every small thing. — Sarfaraz Nawaz
– Sarfaraz Nawaz, Commented Oct 8, 2011 at 18:05
@Nawaz: somehow related how? I don't see any relation. If each user starts linking irrelevant(that ofcourse maybe Interesting) links, there is no value addition just lot of noise.And refrain from personal attacks and if you do, cite references to your far better than many of your comments which you post quote.When experienced users like yourself bump their own answers it calls for every bit of policing. — Alok Save
– Alok Save, Commented Oct 8, 2011 at 18:05
@Als: Also note that finding something somehow related is a subjective thing; it all depends on how one thinks, visualizes concepts & notations and relates them. if you don't find it related then I'm fine with it. I'm not forcing anyone to click on the link and read the topic. — Sarfaraz Nawaz
– Sarfaraz Nawaz, Commented Oct 8, 2011 at 18:14

fredoverflow · Accepted Answer · 2011-10-08 22:57:53Z

25

Yes both are same.

In this case, Name of the array decays to a pointer to its first element.

Hence,

p = numbers;       //Name of the array

is same as:

p = &numbers[0];   //Address of the First Element of the Array

edited Oct 8, 2011 at 22:57

fredoverflow

265k101 gold badges403 silver badges680 bronze badges

answered Oct 8, 2011 at 17:19

Alok Save

208k56 gold badges449 silver badges540 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Comments

David Heffernan · Accepted Answer · 2011-10-08 18:28:41Z

16

Yes, they are the same. When an array's name is invoked in an rvalue context, it decays to a pointer to its first element.

edited Oct 8, 2011 at 18:28

David Heffernan

616k46 gold badges1.1k silver badges1.5k bronze badges

answered Oct 8, 2011 at 17:19

Puppy

147k40 gold badges271 silver badges481 bronze badges

Comments

shotex · Accepted Answer · 2014-04-21 16:33:11Z

2

numbers[0]    is equal to     *number    and equal to *(number+0)
numbers[x] = *(number+x)

so &(*(number+x) ) = number+x which is the address of x'th element

answered Apr 21, 2014 at 16:33

shotex

3715 silver badges12 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Is p = array the same as p = &array[0]?

3 Answers 3

Comments

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Linked

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

3 Answers 3

Comments

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Linked

Related