What are the reasons for using pointers?

Uses of pointers:

To pass arguments by reference.
For accessing array elements.
To return multiple values.
Dynamic memory allocation.
To implement data structures.
To do system level programming where memory addresses are useful.

What is difference between far and near pointers?

Near pointer is used to store 16 bit addresses means within current segment on a 16 bit machine. A far pointer is typically 32 bit that can access memory outside current segment. To use this, compiler allocates a segment register to store segment address, then another register to store offset within current segment.

What operators we can use with pointers?

C++ provides two pointer operators, which are (a) Address of Operator & and (b) Indirection Operator *. A pointer is a variable that contains the address of another variable or you can say that a variable that contains the address of another variable is said to “point to” the other variable.

When to use far pointers and Near pointers?

If the CPU needs to calculate an address, it is convenient if that address is small enough to fit inside the CPU registers (often called index registers when it comes to addresses). The non-standard keywords far and near are used to describe pointers on systems where you need to address memory beyond the normal CPU address bus width.

What kind of memory can a far pointer access?

A far pointer is typically 32 bit that can access memory outside current segment. To use this, compiler allocates a segment register to store segment address, then another register to store offset within current segment.

When to use the keywords far and near?

The non-standard keywords far and near are used to describe pointers on systems where you need to address memory beyond the normal CPU address bus width. For example, it might be convenient for a CPU with 16 bit data bus to also have a 16 bit address bus.

What are use cases and advantages of pointers?

The best answer is actually included in the question: pointers are for low-level programming. Granted, if you’re using C, not using pointers is like programming with one hand tied behind your back, but the answer to that is to use a higher-level language instead.