C++ Programming: Visual QuickStart Guide

6. Complex Data Types

To this point in the book, all of the data you have worked with is what we’re classifying as “simple.” One aspect of this label is that integers, floats, characters, and the like each store scalar—i.e., single—values. In this chapter we’re going to blow the lid off data types by introducing complex ones that can often, among other features, represent multiple pieces of information. The information in this chapter will lead nicely into Chapter 7, “Introducing Objects,” where you learn about the most important of the complex C++ data types.

Three new types are discussed in this chapter, starting with arrays. From there we move into pointers, which is one of the more important—and abstract—data types. The third type introduced ...