> The * operator is used to both declare a pointer variable and to dereference a pointer depending on where it appears. You seem to be suggesting that this is

> The * operator is used to both declare a pointer variable and to dereference a pointer depending on where it appears. You seem to be suggesting that this is an inconsistency, it isn't: int *ptr; means that (*ptr) is of type ptr. *ptr = 3; Means the same and affect 3 to (*ptr)