chase pointers

2 definitions found

chase pointers - Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (26 May 2007) :

  chase pointers
  
     <programming> To determine a chain of memory locations where
     each location holds a pointer to the next, starting from some
     initial pointer, e.g.  traversing a linked list or other
     graph structure.  This may be performed by a computer
     executing a program or by a programmer going through a core dump
      or using a debugger.
  
     [Jargon File]
  
     (2006-05-06)
  

chase pointers - Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003) :

  chase pointers
  
  
     1. vi. To go through multiple levels of indirection, as in traversing
     a linked list or graph structure. Used esp. by programmers in C,
  where
     explicit pointers are a very common data type. This is techspeak, but
     it remains jargon when used of human networks. "I'm chasing pointers.
     Bob said you could tell me who to talk to about...." See dangling pointer
      and snap.
  
     2. [Cambridge] pointer chase or pointer hunt: The process of going
     through a core dump (sense 1), interactively or on a large piece of
     paper printed with hex runes, following dynamic data-structures.
     Used only in a debugging context.