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Everything about Null pointer

Value indicating that a referenced dataset is invalid or doesn't exist

In computing, a null pointer or null reference is a value indicating that the pointer or reference does not refer to an object. Programs routinely use null pointers to represent conditions such as the end of a list of unknown length or the failure to perform some action; this use of null pointers can be compared to nullable types and to the Nothing value in an option type. Wikipedia →

🧭 Start here: a 6-step reading path

  1. Read the overview: Null pointerA 5-minute orientation
  2. Pick up a classic book: Pride and PrejudiceThe most-reprinted book on the subject
  3. Read the landmark paper: Precise null-pointer analysisCited 30 times
  4. Go sideways: Segmentation faultA closely related topic
  5. Go sideways: Pointer (computer programming)A closely related topic

📖 Definitions

Noun A pointer that does not point to any data object.

🗂️ The subject at a glance

  1. C
  2. C++
  3. Other languages
  4. Null dereferencing
  5. Mitigation
  6. History

🏆 Landmark papers (most cited)

📚 Books worth reading

Ranked by number of editions on Open Library, a rough measure of how lasting a book is.

🔗 Related topics