Pointer declaration meaning: what does the declaration "char k;" represent in C?

Introduction / Context:
Decoding multi-level pointer declarations is a core C skill. Each asterisk adds one level of indirection. This question asks for the interpretation of four asterisks attached to a char-based pointer declaration.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Declaration: char k;
• No arrays or function pointer syntax is involved—just plain pointer levels.

Concept / Approach:
In C, a single star () indicates “pointer to.” Repeating four times indicates “pointer to pointer to pointer to pointer to …” the base type. Therefore, char k means k is a fourth-level pointer ultimately referencing a char.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Start with base type char.Apply pointer once: char → pointer to char.Apply twice: char → pointer to pointer to char.Apply three times: char → pointer to pointer to pointer to char.Apply four times: char → pointer to pointer to pointer to pointer to char.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider dereferencing steps: k is a char lvalue, k is char, k is char, k is char, and k itself is char.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Options with fewer stars understate the level of indirection. The “array of four” option invents an array (no brackets are present).

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing multiple stars with arrays; forgetting that whitespace placement does not change meaning (char***k, char **** k are equivalent).

Final Answer:
k is a pointer to a pointer to a pointer to a pointer to a char