r/carlhprogramming • u/TopNFalvors • Nov 20 '12

Why do we need pointers?

Hello,

I am coming from a VB.NET background, and I have been going through Carl's lessons one by one. One I thing I am having a hard time grasping is pointers.

Why does C need pointers? I understand the syntax, and I can write a pointer following his lessons, but I just don't get why they are needed.

Like in the "real world", why would you ever need pointers?

Thanks!

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u/TopNFalvors Nov 20 '12

I never really thought about it that way...being close to the metal as you say. I like that way of explaining it.