The **`@`** operator in Pascal is called the *address operator*. We use this to access the memory address of a variable, function/procedure, or class method. We refer to the memory address of the variable, function/procedure, or class method as its *pointer*.

>We can also use the `addr()` function to get the memory address of an object.

# Assigning a memory address to a pointer

To assign a memory address of an object to a pointer, use the `@` operator or `addr()` function to reference the variable as shown below:
```C
_ptr_ := @_obj_;
```
Or:
```
_ptr_ := addr(_obj_);
```

`@_obj_` stores the memory location of `_obj_` in `_ptr_`.

>Note: 
>* Using the `@` operator with a function or procedure returns its entry point. We generally use this to pass a function/procedure to an assembly language routine or an inline statement.
>* Using the `@` operator with a class method cannot return the address of an interface method. This is because its address is not known at the time of compilation.

# Code 
Consider the code snippet below, which demonstrates the use of the `@` operator:

program Example1;
{$TYPEDADDRESS ON}
var 
  num1: Integer = 10;
  ptrnum: ^Integer; //pointer to an integer
begin
  ptrnum := @num1;
  writeln('The value deferenced by ptrnum is: ', ptrnum^);
end.

pascal

# Explanation

A pointer `ptrnum` is declared in *line 5*. `ptrnum` is pointed to a variable `num1` that is declared in *line 4* using the `@` operator. Dereferencing `ptrnum` in *line 8* prints the same value stored in `num1` as the pointer pointed to `num1`.

pascal2.tar.gz

What is the @ operator in Pascal?

The @ operator in Pascal is called the address operator. We use this to access the memory address of a variable, function/procedure, or class method. We refer to the memory address of the variable, function/procedure, or class method as its pointer. 