---
title: 6.17 Function Pointers
description: A function pointer is a pointer that stores the address of a function. It allows a function to be called indirectly through the pointer instead of using its name directly. The type of a function pointer is determined by the…
url: "https://edcret.in/docs/cpp-programming/functions/6-17-function-pointers/"
updated: "2026-09-06"
category: C++ Programming / Functions
---

# 6.17 Function Pointers

A function pointer is a pointer that stores the address of a function. It allows a function to be called indirectly through the pointer instead of using its name directly.

The type of a function pointer is determined by the function's return type and parameter types. Function pointers are useful when a program needs to select or pass functions dynamically, such as implementing callbacks or dispatch tables.

## Source Code

```
#include <iostream>

int add(int first, int second)
{
    return first + second;
}

int main()
{
    int (*operation)(int, int) = add;

    int result = operation(10, 20);

    std::cout << "Result: " << result << '\n';

    return 0;
}
```

## Output

```
Result: 30
```

## Explanation

- `int (*operation)(int, int)` declares `operation` as a pointer to a function.
- The pointer can point to a function that returns `int` and accepts two `int` parameters.
- `= add` initializes the function pointer with the address of the `add()` function.
- `operation(10, 20)` calls the function through the function pointer.
- The function pointer call produces the same result as directly calling `add(10, 20)`.
- The function's return type and parameter types must be compatible with the function pointer's type.
- Function pointers can be passed to other functions and used to select different functions at runtime.
- `return 0;` terminates the program successfully.