C++ Memory Management: What is the difference between 'const char*' and 'char*const'?

[Yves M]

Q: What is the difference between 'const char*' and 'char*const'?

A:

char* const

declares a constant pointer which has both read and write access to a character (or character array). The pointer itself is a constant and you can not change it. Like all other constant variables, you must initialize it with a constant value at the same time when it is declared:

char buffer[80];
char* const pBuffer = buffer;

const char*

declares a pointer to a constant character (or a constant character array). The pointer can be changed, but the character (or array) to which it points can not be changed.


FAQ contributed by: [Kevin Hall]