C pointer to array/array of pointers disambiguation

C pointer to array/array of pointers disambiguation

I don't know if it has an official name, but I call it the Right-Left Thingy(TM).

Start at the variable, then go right, and left, and right...and so on.

int* arr1[8];

arr1 is an array of 8 pointers to integers.

int (*arr2)[8];

arr2 is a pointer (the parenthesis block the right-left) to an array of 8 integers.

int *(arr3[8]);

arr3 is an array of 8 pointers to integers.

This should help you out with complex declarations.

Here is a great article about reading complex declarations in C: unixwiz.net/techtips/reading-cdecl.html

The ``Clockwise/Spiral Rule''

 There is a technique known as the ``Clockwise/Spiral Rule'' which enables any C programmer to parse in their head any C declaration!

There are three simple steps to follow:

1. Starting with the unknown element, move in a spiral/clockwise direction; when ecountering the following elements replace them with the corresponding english statements:

   [X] or []

   => Array X size of... or Array undefined size of...

   (type1, type2)

   => function passing type1 and type2 returning...

   *

   => pointer(s) to...

2. Keep doing this in a spiral/clockwise direction until all tokens have been covered.
3. Always resolve anything in parenthesis first! 

 中文翻译版本https://blog.csdn.net/zxc1647752801/article/details/90108185