Can a pointer point to itself?

Question

Explain With An Example

Answer 1

Hope I am able to understand the question correctly -

The answer is no.

Suppose you try then the possible way would be something like

int *foo = &foo;

But the types would be incompatible as &foo has type int**.

Answer 2

eg 1

int x;
int *ptr = &x; This is correct since an integer pointer is used to store the address of an integer.

eg 2

int *ptr = &ptr; This is not a safe way of programming. Its an incompatible pointer. It's purpose is to store the address of an integer not a pointer. To store the address of a pointer, you need a DOUBLE pointer.

What are you trying to achieve by the way?

Comments

I want ptr and &ptr both should print same value(as pointer is pointing to itself)
If i do as per your code, I am getting 2 warnings and also unxpected o/p.

Answer 3

A pointer is a variable that stores a memory address. Pointers are used to store the addresses of other variables or memory items. Pointers are very useful for another type of parameter passing, usually referred to as Pass By Address. Pointers are essential for dynamic memory allocation.