When and Why Should You Use intptr_t: A Look Beyond Basic Pointer Arithmetic

When and Why to Use intptr_t: Beyond Pointer Arithmetic

intptr_t, an integer type, offers a unique capability: it can be safely cast to/from a pointer without losing data. However, the question arises, why is this functionality necessary, given that void can hold pointers and THE_REAL_TYPE allows for pointer arithmetic?

Unlike void*, intptr_t allows for bitwise operations on addresses. In scenarios where bitwise manipulation is required, intptr_t provides a convenient solution. However, for optimal performance in bitwise operations, the unsigned counterpart, uintptr_t, is recommended.

Apart from bitwise manipulation, pointer comparison is another significant use case for intptr_t. By comparing intptr_t values, it is possible to determine the relative ordering of pointers, a functionality not available with void*.

It is important to note that intptr_t and uintptr_t are optional types as per the C11 standard. Therefore, their availability may vary across different compilers and platforms.

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