Can pointers be used in pure C++?

Question

I read pointer as ornament of C that makes C a special language. However, i also used pointers in C++. I guess there are some limitations while using pointer in C++ than in C. As pointers are data types of C. If i am asked to write a program in pure C++ , can i use pointers ?

Answer 1

Ofcourse you can use pointers in C++. There are some instances where pointers are the only way out. For eg: to use dynamic memory allocations.

One special thing about pointers in C++ is C++ provides Smart pointers which can make your life easier. Prefer them over raw c like pointers.

Bottomline is:
Use what suits your implementation needs. Don't adhere to fixed rules there are none really.

Answer 2

Yep. In fact, for more complex programs, it's quite possible that there simply isn't any other way: if you need to do any kind of dynamic allocation (the kind you do with new ), you'll get a pointer.

Also, C++ really is an extension of C. Most (if not all) valid C code is also valid C++ code. That's for example one of the reasons C++ has a struct keyword: it needs to be backwards compatible with C.