C Memory Address

C Tutorial

1. What is a C Memory Address?

  • Every variable in C is stored at a specific location in memory.

  • In C Memory Address is the location where the variable’s value is stored.

  • You can find the address using the address-of operator &.

2. Address-of Operator &

  • The & operator returns the memory address of a variable.

Example:


 

Output (example):

Value of num: 10
Address of num: 0x7ffee3b2c8ac

%p is used to print pointer/memory addresses in a readable format.

3. Accessing Value Using Pointers

  • A pointer is a variable that stores the address of another variable.


 

Output:

Value of num: 50
Address of num: 0x7ffee3b2c8ac
Value stored in ptr: 0x7ffee3b2c8ac
Value pointed by ptr: 50

*ptr gives the value stored at the address.

4. Memory Address of Array Elements

  • Each element of an array has a contiguous memory address.


 

Output (example):

numbers[0] = 10, Address = 0x7ffee3b2c8a0
numbers[1] = 20, Address = 0x7ffee3b2c8a4
numbers[2] = 30, Address = 0x7ffee3b2c8a8
numbers[3] = 40, Address = 0x7ffee3b2c8ac
numbers[4] = 50, Address = 0x7ffee3b2c8b0

Notice each int usually occupies 4 bytes, so addresses increment by 4.

5. Key Points About Memory Addresses

  1. Use & to get the address of a variable.

  2. Use pointers to store and manipulate addresses.

  3. Array elements have contiguous addresses in memory.

  4. %p is used for printing addresses in pointer format.

  5. Understanding addresses is crucial for pointers, dynamic memory, and efficient programming.

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