How do I use char* variable type in C?

I am a beginner.The following code in Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 IDE gives out an error.
It compiles with no errors and no warnings.
Then makes with no errors and no warnings.
But displays a dialog box showing that there is an error and asking to report it to Microsoft.

What is the correct usage of char*?
Can anybody please help me?

Code:

#include <stdio.h>
void main(){
   char* yourName;
   printf("Please enter your name: ");
   scanf("%s", &yourName);
   printf("\nWelcome %s, I was waiting for you!\n", yourName);
}

 

try this code.

Code:

#include <stdio.h>
void main(){
char* yourName;
printf("Please enter your name: ");
scanf("%s", yourName);
printf("\nWelcome %s, I was waiting for you!\n", yourName);
}

As you have declared a pointer which points a character.

Code:

char* yourName;

Now you are getting a value from the user and trying to store it in pointer type variable. scanf() function takes the address of the variable i.e. pointer to that variable and store the input. As you have already declared the pointer and you code scanf("%s", &yourName); is trying to save that input value in the address of that pointer. Which is logically incorrect. Your code looks fine and no error but it has a logical mistake that is why it compiles fine but gives error at runtime. You code should look like scanf("%s", yourName);

 

Thanks!
That works well!!

Thank you for taking your time, and nice brief explanation.