What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
iterator
Example
The iterator function returns the next element in the sequence. [iterator: noun]
Example
We can use an iterator to loop through the list of names. [iterator: noun]
pointer
Example
The pointer points to the location of the data in memory. [pointer: noun]
Example
We can use a pointer to change the value of the data directly in memory. [pointer: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pointer is more commonly used than iterator in programming, as it is a fundamental concept in memory management. However, iterator is still an important tool for traversing through collections of data in many programming languages.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between iterator and pointer?
Both iterator and pointer are technical terms used in programming and are considered formal language.
