please explain this-> in c++

Question

so I saw this syntax

this->

used in a c++ tutorial on udemy but it was not explained to me as to what exactly why I would use this in programming. Can anyone provide an example program or proper example code that shows what this does? Please explain the logic behind it. Please don't say Google it. I know it has something to do with pointers and memory. and what not I guess another thing I am looking for is an explanation a five year old would understand or broken down enough for easy comprehension.

Google it. Stackoverflow has already lots of QAs that answer your question. — Nikolai Shalakin, Aug 10 '17 at 06:28
Seems to me like the tutorial isn't very good then. Pick up a [good book instead/as well](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/388242/the-definitive-c-book-guide-and-list). — StoryTeller - Unslander Monica, Aug 10 '17 at 07:00

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Aug 10 '17 at 06:30

this keyword is used to reference current instance of given class, for example:

class A {
   public:

       void setName(std::string name) {
           // if you would use name variable directly it 
           // will refer to the function parameter, 
           //hence to refer the field of the class you need to use this
           this->name = name;
       }
   private:
       std::string namel
}

please explain this-> in c++

1 Answers1