Definitions
- In computer programming, referring to the process of accessing the value stored in a memory location pointed to by a pointer. - Describing the act of following a reference or pointer to access the data it points to. - Talking about the process of obtaining the value of a variable that is stored in memory.
- Referring to the act of getting something back that was lost or misplaced. - Describing the process of obtaining information or data from a database or storage device. - Talking about the act of recovering or restoring something that was previously saved or stored.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve obtaining something.
- 2Both require some form of action to be taken.
- 3Both can be used in the context of computer programming.
- 4Both can refer to the act of getting something back that was previously stored or referenced.
What is the difference?
- 1Object of action: Dereference is used specifically in the context of computer programming, while retrieve can be used in a broader range of contexts.
- 2Type of data: Dereference is used to access the value stored in a memory location, while retrieve is used to obtain information or data from a database or storage device.
- 3Action required: Dereference requires following a reference or pointer to access the data it points to, while retrieve may involve searching for or restoring data.
- 4Purpose: Dereference is used to access a specific piece of data, while retrieve can be used to obtain any type of information or object.
- 5Connotation: Dereference is more technical and specific, while retrieve is more general and can be used in everyday language.
Remember this!
Dereference and retrieve are both verbs that describe obtaining something. However, dereference is used specifically in the context of computer programming and refers to accessing the value stored in a memory location pointed to by a pointer. On the other hand, retrieve is a more general term that can be used to obtain any type of information or object from a database or storage device.
