If you want to change the value of a variable in a C function you pass the address (pointer) of the variable to the function. If you want to use the value of a variable in a function and do not wish to change its value, you pass the name (reference) of the variable to the function. Many programmers never used pointers for any thing else, like linked lists and b trees. C pointers and structures can make some applications infinitely easier. Structures unlike arrays can contain different types of variables and grouping them together makes life easier. Structures in a linked lists contain pointers (addresses to the next link in the list and also to the previous link if the list is double linked. This can make sorting a breeze.
A link in the list can also contain pointers to different structures which allow you to associate the linked lists of different materials or conditions with each link in the first list.
Since the memory is allocated where and as needed rather than being dimensioned as in an array, it gives you tremendous flexibility.The main application I have used this for is calculating the cost of projects to bid jobs.
This flexibility demands close attention to details and no holds barred debugging.
