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All pointers in C/C++ can point to “nothing”. Swapping “void *” for “byte *” is basically an aesthetic choice.

• throwaway27448 4mo ago
  Right. So why not use a typed reference?
  • dpark 4mo ago
    1. void * is a type 2. The functions in question here operate on raw memory. void * conveys the same information as byte *. It’s not untyped vs typed. It’s two different types that convey the same information but require slightly different mechanics to obtain. 3. The author explained his reasoning for preferring void * over byte * (or uint8_t *) 4. A reference also isn’t the same thing as a pointer in C++