Homonym: Pointers (Indicators)
Pointers are variables that store the memory address of another variable. They allow programmers to directly access and manipulate data in memory, which can lead to more efficient code. Pointers are commonly used in programming languages like C and C++ to manage dynamic memory allocation and to create complex data structures such as linked lists and trees.
Using pointers can enhance performance, especially in scenarios where large amounts of data are involved. However, they also require careful management to avoid issues like memory leaks and segmentation faults. Understanding pointers is essential for effective programming in languages that support them.