Re: [Dev-C++] Useless?

On 12/17/05, Jason Benjamin <red...@ya...> wrote:
> What is the use of pointers, linked lists,
> polymorphism,and operator overloading?

Well, these things are all indespensible.  You don't have to use them
at every possible chance, but they can make life much easier.

First, the thing I do know a bit about, is pointers.  Coming from
Java, this is a really cool thing.  In Java, unless you're using a
global variable, you have to return a object/variable if you want to
keep any changes made to it during a function's execution.  There
isn't a easy way to keep the changes made to multiple variables,
except by using arrays.  Mixed object/variable types?  Things can get
very complex very quickly.  Enter pointers.  By using a pointer you
can directly use a variable.  This can be dangerous, but it can also
be very powerful.

I don't know anything about linked lists yet, so I can't speak for that.

Polymorphism is very powerful.  Look at virtual functions and you'll
quickly find it's realy strength.  Operator overloading is
indespensible.  Consider the "=3D" operator.  it's actually overloaded
to work with multiple data types.


All these things have purposes.  While you and I might not understand
all of them, they are there for a reason.