[lliamander]

When learning abstract programming concepts, I think it is important to have some practice operationalizing that knowledge. Precise definitions are important, but by themselves aren't enough because it doesn't guarantee you'll understand the implications of that definition.

Analogies seem like they help, but often lead to error when you reach a point where the analogy is stretched to far.

To see if you understand pointers, try exercise #3 here: https://www.joelonsoftware.com/2005/12/29/test-yourself/ . Just step through the code in your head, and then use your mouse to highlight the text in the box below it. Hopefully that helps you to get started in the right direction.