CT077-3-2-DSTR Pointer

Lab 3: Pointer

Pointer is a variable that stores memory addresses. Unlike normal variables it does not store
user given or processed value, instead it stores valid computer memory address.

 Pointers are more efficient in handling arrays and structures.

 Pointers are used to return multiple values from a function.
 Pointer allows dynamic memory allocation and deallocation (creation and deletion of
variables at runtime) in C++. Which undoubtedly is the biggest advantage of pointers.
 Pointer allows to refer and pass a function as a parameter to functions

Figure 1: pointer

dereference This is used to declare a variable as a pointer.

* operator,
indirection operator
It is also used when you want to access the value pointed to by
the pointer variable.
Use before a variable to indicate that you mean the address
reference operator,
& address-of operator
of that variable. You'll often see this in a function header where
the parameter list is given.
member selection
-> operator
This is used to refer to members of structures or class.

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CT077-3-2-DSTR Pointer

Part A: Demonstrate the use of pointers

1. Complete the below C++ program, so that it can read the memory address of any
variable.

#include <iostream>
#include <string>
using namespace std;

int main()
{
/* Simple declarations */
string word = "abc";
int integer = 1;
float real = 10.4f;
long long biginteger = 989898989ll;

/* Print variable value with their memory address */

//complete this section

return 0;
}

Expect Output:

[Estimate Finish Time: 10 minutes]

2. Below is a C++ program to create, initialize and use pointer variable. Execute the
program and find its final output.

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main()
{
int num = 10;
int * ptr;

/* Stores the address of num to pointer type */

ptr = &num;

cout << "Address of num = " << &num << endl;

cout << "Value of num = " << num << endl << endl;

cout << "Address of ptr = " << &ptr << endl;

cout << "Value of ptr = " << ptr << endl;
cout << "Value pointed by ptr = " << *ptr << endl;

return 0;
}

[Estimate Finish Time: 10 minutes]

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CT077-3-2-DSTR Pointer

Test yourself questions for Part A:

1. Write a C++ program to read two numbers from user and add them by using the
pointers. Your program output should display the similar content as the output
sample.

Given below variables and pointer variables:

// variable sum - store the answer from the pointers’ summation operation.
int num1, num2, sum;

//use these pointers to do the summation operation.

int *ptr1, *ptr2;

Output sample:

[Estimate Finish Time: 15 minutes]

2. Given the below function prototype:

/* function prototype */
void swap(int * value1, int * value2);

Write a program to swap two numbers using call by reference.

Output sample:

[Estimate Finish Time: 15 minutes]

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CT077-3-2-DSTR Pointer

Part B: Learn how to input and print array elements using pointers in C++

1. Write a C++ program to input and print array elements using pointer. The number of
input should be determined by the user.
Note: It should be a dynamic allocated array.

Output sample:

[Estimate Finish Time: 15 minutes]

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CT077-3-2-DSTR Pointer

Part C: Homework.

Submit your answer (in doc / pdf) to the Microsoft Teams. Your answer should include your
code and your program screenshot. Submission due date: 20 October 2019 (11.59pm).

1. Complete the following program skeleton. When finished, the program will ask the user
for a length (in inches), convert that value to centimeters and display result. You are to
write the function convert. (Note: 1 inch = 2.54cm. Do not modify function main.)

#include <iostream>
#include <iomanip>
using namespace std;

// Write your function prototype here

void main ()
{
double measurement;

cout << "Enter a length in inches, and I will convert\n";

cout << "it to centimeters: ";
cin >> measurement;
convert(&measurement);
cout << fixed << setprecision(4);
cout << "Value in centimeters: " << measurement << endl;
}

// Write your function convert here

2. Write a program that will ask the user to enter the width and length of a rectangle, and
then display the rectangle’s area. The program calls the following functions:

 getLength – this function should ask the user to enter the rectangle’s length, and then
return that value as a double.
 getWidth – this function should ask the user to enter the rectangle’s width, and then
return that value as a double.
 getArea – this function should accept the rectangle’s length and width as arguments,
and return the rectangle’s area. The area is calculated by multiplying the length by the
width.
 displayData - this function should accept the rectangle’s length, width, and area as
reference arguments, and display them in an appropriate message on the screen.

3. Write a program that accept an integer argument indicating the total number of subjects
and the test scores are stored in a dynamically allocated array. The program calls the
following functions:

 calcAverage – this function should accept an array argument to calculate the average
of the test scores.
 findLowest – this function should find and return the lowest of test scores array
passed to it.

Input validation: Do not accept a negative number.

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CT077-3-2-DSTR Pointer

Exercise 4 – Driver’s License Exam:

Write a program that grades the written portion of the driver’s license exam. The exam has 20
multiple choice questions. Here are the correct answers:

1. B 6. A 11. B 16. C
2. D 7. B 12. C 17. C
3. A 8. A 13. D 18. B
4. A 9. C 14. A 19. D
5. C 10. D 15. D 20. A

Your program should store the correct answers shown above in an array. It should ask the
user to enter the answers for each of the 20 questions, and the answers should be stored in
another array. After the student’s answers have been entered, the program should have a
function to display a message indicating whether the student passed or failed the exam.
(Note: A student must correctly answer 15 of the 20 questions to pass the exam.)

Input validation: Only accept the letters A, B, C, or D as answers.

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