Can a Pointer in C Tell You if the Object It Points to is Valid?

Determining Object Validity from a Pointer in C

In the realm of C , programmers frequently encounter the enigmatic question: can a pointer unequivocally ascertain the validity of the object it references?

The answer is a resounding no. This inherent limitation stems from the fact that maintaining metadata to differentiate valid pointers from invalid ones would impose a significant overhead.

C embraces the philosophy of "pay only for what you use." Therefore, the language assumes that developers are meticulous in managing pointers and scrupulously aware of their origins. This vigilance is crucial, as it ensures that pointers invariably originate either from within the strictly controlled confines of the programmer's codebase or from meticulously documented external contracts.

Consequently, the onus falls upon developers to meticulously track the provenance and validity of pointers throughout their codebase. Only through such diligence can they guarantee the integrity and reliability of their applications.

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