Pointer Arithmetic: Understanding Memory Management in C

This lecture covers the fundamentals of pointer arithmetic in the C programming language. It begins by explaining how pointers can be easily manipulated in memory using operators such as addition and subtraction. The instructor illustrates how adding 1 to a pointer moves it forward in memory by the size of the object it points to. Practical examples are provided, including the use of arrays and linked lists, to demonstrate how pointer arithmetic works in real scenarios. The lecture also addresses common pitfalls, such as buffer overflows and the importance of understanding the type of pointers when performing arithmetic operations. The concept of pointer subtraction is introduced, explaining how it returns the number of objects between two pointers. Additionally, the lecture emphasizes the significance of the sizeof operator in determining memory allocation. By the end, students gain a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively use pointers and arrays in C, along with the necessary precautions to avoid errors in memory management.