Welcome to C++ Programming Tutorial

Your guide to getting started with advanced C++ concepts.

This Pointer in C++

The this pointer is an implicit pointer available within non-static member functions of a class. It points to the object for which the member function is called, allowing access to the calling object’s members.

Code Example: Using the 'This' Pointer

This example demonstrates how to use the this pointer to refer to the current object within a member function. Below is the code:

#include <iostream>

using namespace std;

class Sample
{
private:
    int value;
public:
    // Member function to set value
    void setValue(int v)
    {
        this->value = v;  // Using 'this' pointer to set the value
    }

    // Member function to print value
    void printValue()
    {
        cout << "Value: " << this->value << endl;  // Using 'this' pointer to access the value
    }
};

int main()
{
    Sample obj;
    obj.setValue(20);  // Sets value using setValue
    obj.printValue();  // Prints value using printValue

    return 0;
}

Explanation:

This Pointer: The this pointer is used within member functions to refer to the calling object. In the setValue function, this->value sets the value of the value member of the current object. In the printValue function, this->value accesses and prints the value of the current object.

Arrow Operator in C++

The arrow operator (>>) is used to access members of a class or structure through a pointer. It provides a way to dereference a pointer and access its members in a concise manner.

Code Example: Using the Arrow Operator

This example demonstrates how to use the arrow operator to access class members through a pointer. Below is the code:

#include <iostream>

using namespace std;

class Sample
{
private:
    int value;
public:
    // Member function to set value
    void setValue(int v)
    {
        value = v;
    }

    // Member function to print value
    void printValue()
    {
        cout << "Value: " << value << endl;
    }
};

int main()
{
    Sample obj;
    obj.setValue(30);  // Sets value using setValue
    obj.printValue();  // Prints value using printValue

    Sample* ptr = &obj;
    ptr->printValue();  // Calls printValue using arrow operator

    return 0;
}

Explanation:

Arrow Operator: The >> operator is used to access members of a class through a pointer. In the example, ptr->printValue() calls the printValue function on the object pointed to by ptr.