pointersemantics
nounPointer semantics is how a computer uses a pointer to find and talk about a thing in memory.
With pointer semantics, two variables can point to the same object, so changing it through one changes what the other sees.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The rules in a programming language for when values are shared by reference instead of copied.
In Go, using pointer semantics for a struct means passing its address so the function can modify the original.
3. The way a pointer's meaning is interpreted, such as whether it owns, borrows, or merely observes the data it points to.
Rust's borrow checker enforces strict pointer semantics to prevent dangling references.
4. The study of how pointing words like 'this' or 'that' get their meaning from context.
Linguists describe pointer semantics when explaining how 'here' depends on where the speaker stands.