---
title: "3.24 Pointer Member Operator (->)"
description: "The pointer member operator (`->`) is used to access the members of an object through a pointer. It combines pointer dereferencing and member access into a single operator, making the syntax simpler and more readable. The expression `pointer->member` is equivalent…"
url: "https://edcret.in/docs/cpp-programming/operators-cplusplus/3-24-pointer-member-operator/"
updated: "2026-07-28"
category: C++ Programming / Operators
---

# 3.24 Pointer Member Operator (->)

The pointer member operator (`->`) is used to access the members of an object through a pointer. It combines pointer dereferencing and member access into a single operator, making the syntax simpler and more readable.

The expression `pointer->member` is equivalent to `(*pointer).member`. The pointer member operator is commonly used when working with dynamically allocated objects and object pointers.

## Source Code

```
#include <iostream>

struct Student
{
    std::string name;
    int age;
};

int main()
{
    Student student = {"Alice", 20};

    Student* ptr = &student;

    std::cout << "Name: " << ptr->name << 'n';
    std::cout << "Age : " << ptr->age << 'n';

    return 0;
}
```

## Output

```
Name: Alice
Age : 20
```

## Explanation

- The pointer member operator (`->`) accesses the members of an object through a pointer.
- `Student* ptr = &student;` declares a pointer that stores the address of the `student` object.
- `ptr->name` accesses the `name` member of the object pointed to by `ptr`.
- `ptr->age` accesses the `age` member of the object pointed to by `ptr`.
- The expression `ptr->member` is equivalent to `(*ptr).member`.
- The pointer member operator is used only with pointers to objects.
- It simplifies member access by combining dereferencing and the dot operator into a single operation.
- `return 0;` terminates the program successfully.