When is an integer<->pointer cast actually correct?

Question

The common folklore says that:

• The type system exists for a reason. Integers and pointers are distinct types, casting between them is a malpractice in the m

Answer 1

I've used such systems when I'm trying to walk byte-by-byte through an array. Often times, the pointer will walk multiple bytes at a time, which causes problems that are very difficult to diagnose.

For example, int pointers:

int* my_pointer;

moving my_pointer++ will result in advancing 4 bytes (in a standard 32-bit system). However, moving ((int)my_pointer)++ will advance it one byte.

It's really the only way to accomplish it, other than casting your pointer to a (char*). ((char*)my_pointer)++

Admittedly, the (char*) is my usual method since it makes more sense.