P

parameter::An identifier that receives a value passed to a function.

path::The name that defines the location of a file or directory. A path may include a drive name and one or more directory names.

pointer::A variable containing the address of another variable, function, or constant.

pointer arithmetic::The use of addition or subtraction to change a pointer's value. Pointer arithmetic is typically used with array pointers, though it is not illegal on other kinds of pointers.

pointer-member operator::The –> operator, used with structure pointers to name a structure member.

pragma::An instruction to the compiler to perform an action at compile time.

precedence::The relative position of an operator in the hierarchy that determines the order in which expressions are evaluated.

preprocessor::A text processor that manipulates the contents of a C source file during the first phase of compilation.

preprocessor directive::See “directive.”

prototype::See “function prototype.”