The program below has a problem. Which statement correctly describes it? #include int main(void) { int x = 5; void *vp = &x; printf("%d\n", *vp); return 0; }

*vp – a void pointer must be converted, e.g. *(int *) vp, before it is dereferenced

void *vp = &x; – an int address cannot be stored in a void pointer

Pointers · Find the Error · Question 5

Error: dereferencing a void pointer in C Answer, explanation & discussion

Question 5 Back to Exercise

The program below has a problem. Which statement correctly describes it?

main.c

#include <stdio.h>

int main(void) {
    int x = 5;
    void *vp = &x;
    printf("%d\n", *vp);
    return 0;
}

A void *vp = &x; – an int address cannot be stored in a void pointer
B *vp – a void pointer must be converted, e.g. *(int *) vp, before it is dereferenced Correct
C There is no error; it prints 5
D %d should be %v

Correct Answer: Option B

Storing any object address in a void * is fine. But the compiler does not know what type lives there, so *vp is not allowed. Write *(int *) vp.

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