C++ This Pointer: Key Uses Explained

In C++, the “this” pointer is a pointer that points to the current object, allowing access to the object’s member variables and member functions. The main purpose of the “this” pointer includes:

1. Accessing member variables of the current object in member functions: The member variables of the current object can be accessed using the this pointer, even if the member variables have the same name as parameters, there will be no ambiguity.
2. Returning the object itself in a member function: It is possible to use the statement return *this; within a member function to return the current object itself.
3. Chain call: By returning *this, it is possible to achieve consecutive calls to multiple member functions, creating a chain call.
4. In functions like copy constructors and overloaded assignment operators, check for self-assignment using the ‘this’ pointer.

In general, the ‘this’ pointer is mainly used to refer to the pointer of the current object, making it easier to access the member variables and member functions of the current object in member functions, and to perform some operations related to the object itself.