Arrow operator -> in C/C++ with Examples

An Arrow operator in C/C++ allows to access elements in Structures and Unions. It is used with a pointer variable pointing to a structure or union. The arrow operator is formed by using a minus sign, followed by the geater than symbol as shown below.

Syntax:

(pointer_name)->(variable_name)

Operation: The -> operator in C or C++ gives the value held by variable_name to structure or union variable pointer_name.

Difference between Dot(.) and Arrow(->) operator:

• The Dot(.) operator is used to normally access members of a structure or union.
• The Arrow(->) operator exists to access the members of the structure or the unions using pointers.

Examples:

1. Arrow operator in structure:
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   // C program to show Arrow operator // used in structure    #include <stdio.h> #include <stdlib.h>    // Creating the structure struct student {     char name[80];     int age;     float percentage; };    // Creating the structure object struct student* emp = NULL;    // Driver code int main() {     // Assigning memory to struct variable emp     emp = (struct student*)         malloc(sizeof(struct student));        // Assigning value to age variable     // of emp using arrow operator     emp->age = 18;        // Printing the assigned value to the variable     printf("%d", emp->age);        return 0; }

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   Output:

   18
   

2. Arrow operator in unions:
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   // C program to show Arrow operator // used in structure    #include <stdio.h> #include <stdlib.h>    // Creating the union union student {     char name[80];     int age;     float percentage; };    // Creating the union object union student* emp = NULL;    // Driver code int main() {     // Assigning memory to struct variable emp     emp = (union student*)         malloc(sizeof(union student));        // Assigning value to age variable     // of emp using arrow operator     emp->age = 18;        // DIsplaying the assigned value to the variable     printf("%d", emp->age); }

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   Output:

   18
   

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