---
title: Pointers & References
description: Explicit memory access with prefix pointer syntax and Rust-native safety.
icon: MousePointer2
---

Mist uses a prefix `*` syntax for reference types. While the symbols look like C-style pointers, they adhere strictly to Rust's ownership and borrowing rules.

## Basic Syntax

Reference types are written with `*` before the type. Use `*mut` for mutable references. The `&` and `&mut` operators create references from values.

```mist
let x i32 = 42;
let r *i32 = &x;

let mut y = 42;
let r *mut i32 = &mut y;
*r = 100;
```

In function parameters:

```mist
fn increment(value *mut i32, limit *i32) {
    if (*value < *limit) {
        *value = *value + 1;
    }
}
```

## Lifetimes

Lifetimes are placed between `*` and the type, reading as "pointer with lifetime to type":

```mist
pub struct Inspector<'a> {
    pub target *'a str,
    pub counter *'a mut u32,
}
```

## Key Characteristics

- **Prefix Pointer Syntax**: `*Type` for shared references, `*mut Type` for mutable references.
- **Explicit Intent**: The `*mut` syntax clearly distinguishes read-only from writable references, mapping 1:1 to Rust's `&` and `&mut`.
- **Visual Consistency**: Lifetimes (`'a`) are placed before the type in `*'a Type`, keeping the declaration flow left-to-right.
- **Safety Guaranteed**: Despite the "pointer" appearance, the Mist compiler enforces Rust's borrow checker.
- **Zero Overhead**: Mist pointers compile to identical machine code as Rust references.