The three characteristics of a variable, Figure 3(b).
pointers.cpp demonstrates pointers and pointer operators. The program does not solve a real problem, so providing test cases is not feasible. This example introduces the basic pointer operators and concepts without explaining why we use them. The program also introduces two new manipulators. hex displays the value appearing at its right in hexadecimal (i.e., base 16), while dec displays the value appearing at its right in decimal (i.e., base 10).
Previously, the asterisk, *, was used as the multiplication operator. In this example, the asterisk takes on two new roles, and the compiler must distinguish which of the three possible operations it represents by the context in which it appears. When * has a number on each side, it represents multiplication. As part of a variable definition, * denotes a pointer variable (i.e., a variable capable of storing an address). Finally, when used with a single pointer variable, * represents the dereference operator (also known as the indirection operator).