---
title: 5.15 Array of Pointers
description: "An array of pointers stores multiple pointer values, with each element holding the address of an object. The pointer type determines the type of object each element can point to. ``` #include int main(void) { int a = 10; int…"
url: "https://edcret.in/docs/c-programming/arrays/5-15-array-of-pointers/"
updated: "2026-10-27"
category: C Programming / Arrays
---

# 5.15 Array of Pointers

An array of pointers stores multiple pointer values, with each element holding the address of an object. The pointer type determines the type of object each element can point to.

```
#include <stdio.h>

int main(void)
{
    int a = 10;
    int b = 20;
    int c = 30;

    int *ptrs[3] = {&a, &b, &c};

    for (int i = 0; i < 3; i++)
    {
        printf("%dn", *ptrs[i]);
    }

    return 0;
}
```

### Example Output

```
10
20
30
```

### Explanation

The declaration:

```
int *ptrs[3];
```

creates an array containing three pointers to `int`. Each element can store the address of an integer object.

The initialization:

```
int *ptrs[3] = {&a, &b, &c};
```

stores the addresses of `a`, `b`, and `c` in the array.

The expression:

```
*ptrs[i]
```

dereferences the pointer at index `i` to access the integer value it points to.

### Array of Pointers vs. Pointer to an Array

| Declaration | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| `int *ptrs[3];` | Array of three pointers to `int` |
| `int (*ptr)[3];` | Pointer to an array of three `int` elements |
| `int *ptr;` | Pointer to a single `int` |

Parentheses affect how the declaration is interpreted. In `int *ptrs[3]`, the array subscript binds more tightly than the pointer declarator, so `ptrs` is an array of pointers.

An array of pointers is useful for storing addresses of separate variables, selecting among buffers, and managing arrays of strings. Each pointer must point to a valid object before it is dereferenced.