How do I fix errors relating to 'illegal conversion between pointer types' or 'illegal conversion of integer to pointer'?

This message will be produced if you convert an integer (either literal or variable) to a pointer type, for example:

Example 1:
Assigning an integer constant to a pointer:

​

will emit this warning:
Warning [357] illegal conversion of integer to pointer

Example 2:
Assigning a char to an integer pointer:

​

will emit this warning:
Warning [359] illegal conversion between pointer types pointer to unsigned char -> pointer to int

Warning [359] will go away with typecasting:

​

but the problem is still there.

While casts mask the problems in code and also suppress the warning, they can be potentially dangerous. Use caution while using casts.

For more on this see the FAQ "When should I cast an expression?"

  Return to Top

© 2024 Microchip Technology, Inc.
Notice: ARM and Cortex are the registered trademarks of ARM Limited in the EU and other countries.
Information contained on this site regarding device applications and the like is provided only for your convenience and may be superseded by updates. It is your responsibility to ensure that your application meets with your specifications. MICROCHIP MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WRITTEN OR ORAL, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, RELATED TO THE INFORMATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ITS CONDITION, QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PURPOSE. Microchip disclaims all liability arising from this information and its use. Use of Microchip devices in life support and/or safety applications is entirely at the buyer's risk, and the buyer agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Microchip from any and all damages, claims, suits, or expenses resulting from such use. No licenses are conveyed, implicitly or otherwise, under any Microchip intellectual property rights.