ACtE03 · Chapter 3Programming & Applications🏛️ Past Licensure QuestionID: efb2de0e
According to the ISO C standard, what is the theoretical limit on the levels of pointer indirection (e.g., int *****...*ptr)?
According to the ISO C standard, what is the theoretical limit on the levels of pointer indirection (e.g., int *****...*ptr)?
Multiple Choice Options
- A
Strictly 2 levels
- B
Maximum 12 levels (C89 minimum limit was 12, with no upper language ceiling)
- C
Maximum 255 levels
- D✓ Correct Option
No theoretical language ceiling (compilers must support at least 12 levels in C89 / 4095 levels in C99, limited only by memory)
Detailed Technical Solution & Explanation
The C language specification places no theoretical upper limit on pointer indirection. It mandates minimum translation limits that a conforming compiler must support (at least 12 levels in C89, at least 4095 in C99), with the practical limit governed only by available compiler memory.
Option Analysis:
•
Option A (Strictly 2 levels): False.
•
Option B (Maximum 12 levels (C89 minimum limit ...): 12 was the minimum mandated support in C89, not a hard language maximum.
•
Option C (Maximum 255 levels): Arbitrary false number.
•
Option D (No theoretical language ceiling (comp...): Correct. No language maximum exists; implementations support as many as system memory allows.
Reference: Mock Test 03NEC Licensure Syllabus