# 
#  Overview
In C++, the **dereference  operator `*`** is used alongside a pointer `ptr` to obtain the value of a variable. 

> **Note:** Learn what pointers are [here](https://www.educative.io/answers/what-are-pointers-in-c).
##
## Example

#include <iostream>
#include <string>
using namespace std;

int main() {
  // creating a variable
  string name = "Theo"; 

  // declaring a pointer  
  string* ptr = &name;    

  // obtaining the memory address of the variable
  cout << ptr << "\n";

  // Using the dereference operator 
  cout << *ptr << "\n";
  return 0;
}

# 
## Explanation 
* **Line 7**: We create a string variable `name` and assign `Theo` as its value.
* **Line 10**: We create a pointer to this string variable.
* **Line 13**: We obtain and print the pointer `ptr` which has the memory address of the variable.
* **Line 16**: We print the value of  `name`.

What is the dereference operator in C++?

Dereference operator (*) in C++ is used with a pointer to access the value of a variable.