title: Which dummy pointer values are okay
body: <p>This is something that's been on my mind for a long time. Every once so often i see people use 1, or -1 as a dummy value for a pointer. To safe the need of a different variable.</p>
  
  <p>Is it okay to use pointers like this? I suppose -1 is okay. But is it also okay to use other negative numbers? And can I be sure 1 isn't a used memory location? And if so, up to which value can i use memory pointers.</p>
  
  <p>P.s. I'm aware storing other data especially positive values in pointers, is very, very bad practice. But I'm just wondering what would be the consequences in  any real life situation.</p>