Question

void deleteAllNodes ()
{
    stack <parentBranch *> mystack;

    // `trunk` is the existing head node
    mystack.push (trunk);

    cout << mystack.top ()->content;
}

In this case a “copy” of trunk gets pushed in the stack? So, does this means that at a time there are two trunks present in the memory?

Answer 1

Nope. trunk points to an object, but isn’t the object itself. Like a sign that reads “Car –>” next to a car. When you push trunk onto mystack, you don’t get another car. You just get another sign pointing to the same car.

Woe be it if you drive the car off (i.e. delete trunk;). Then you’ll have a whole bunch of signs that point to a car, but when someone comes along and tries to get in that car, they’ll fall flat on their rear. All the signs pointing to the car will be liars.