What does a pointer in C represent?

A pointer in C is a specific data type that holds the memory address of another variable. This allows for direct manipulation of memory, which can be particularly powerful in programming. By storing the address of a variable, pointers enable various programming techniques, such as dynamic memory allocation, creating linked data structures like linked lists and trees, and passing large structures to functions efficiently without copying the entire structure.

Understanding pointers is crucial for effective programming in C since they allow you to interact closely with memory and facilitate a range of programming patterns, including manipulating arrays and strings. The use of pointers is fundamental for creating more efficient and effective C programs, particularly in scenarios where performance and memory management are critical.