SALE

es

Arrow operator -> in C/C++ with Examples
An Arrow operator in C/C++ allows to access elements in Structures and Unions. It is used with a pointer
Custom Search
variable pointing to a structure or union. The arrow operator is formed by using a minus sign, followed by

in the geater than symbol as shown below.

Hire with us!
Syntax:

(pointer_name)->(variable_name)

Operation: The -> operator in C or C++ gives the value held by variable_name to structure or union variable
pointer_name.

Cheap Flights from Manila to Singapore

US$41 LEARN MORE

Difference between Dot(.) and Arrow(->) operator:

The Dot(.) operator is used to normally access members of a structure or union.

The Arrow(->) operator exists to access the members of the structure or the unions using pointers.
⇣

Examples:

1. Arrow operator in structure:

// C program to show Arrow operator

// used in structure

#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>

// Creating the structure

struct student {
char name[80];
int age;
float percentage;
};

// Creating the structure object

struct student* emp = NULL;

// Driver code
int main()
{
// Assigning memory to struct variable emp
emp = (struct student*)
malloc(sizeof(struct student));

// Assigning value to age variable

// of emp using arrow operator
emp->age = 18;
 // Printing the assigned value to the variable
printf("%d", emp->age);

return 0;
}

Output:

18

2. Arrow operator in unions:

// C program to show Arrow operator

// used in structure

#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>

// Creating the union

union student {
char name[80];
int age;
float percentage;
};

// Creating the union object

union student* emp = NULL;

// Driver code
int main()
{
// Assigning memory to struct variable emp
emp = (union student*)
malloc(sizeof(union student));

// Assigning value to age variable

// of emp using arrow operator
emp->age = 18;

// DIsplaying the assigned value to the variable

printf("%d", emp->age);
}
⇣

Output:

18

Recommended Posts:
Logical Not ! operator in C with Examples
dot (.) operator in C/C++
Like Operator in SAS Programming
sizeof operator in C
Conditional or Ternary Operator (?:) in C/C++
C++ | Operator Overloading | Question 7
C++ | Operator Overloading | Question 10
C++ | Operator Overloading | Question 9
C++ | Operator Overloading | Question 10
C++ | Operator Overloading | Question 6
C++ | Operator Overloading | Question 5
C++ | Operator Overloading | Question 4
C++ | Operator Overloading | Question 10
C++ | Operator Overloading | Question 2
C++ | Operator Overloading | Question 3

avsadityavardhan
Intern at GeeksforGeeks

If you like GeeksforGeeks and would like to contribute, you can also write an article using
contribute.geeksforgeeks.org or mail your article to contribute@geeksforgeeks.org. See your article
appearing on the GeeksforGeeks main page and help other Geeks.

Please Improve this article if you nd anything incorrect by clicking on the "Improve Article" button below.
⇣

Article Tags : C C Programs Competitive Programming Program Output Programming Language

Practice Tags : C


2

1
To-do Done
Based on 2 vote(s)

Feedback/ Suggest Improvement Add Notes Improve Article

Please write to us at contribute@geeksforgeeks.org to report any issue with the above content.
Writing code in comment? Please use ide.geeksforgeeks.org, generate link and share the link here.

Load Comments

5th Floor, A-118,

Sector-136, Noida, Uttar Pradesh - 201305
feedback@geeksforgeeks.org

COMPANY LEARN
About Us Algorithms
Careers Data Structures
Privacy Policy Languages
Contact Us CS Subjects
Video Tutorials

PRACTICE CONTRIBUTE
Courses Write an Article
Company-wise Write Interview Experience
Topic-wise Internships
How to begin? Videos

@geeksforgeeks, Some rights reserved

⇣