The @ operator returns a typed pointer if the $T switch is on. If the $T switch is off then the address operator returns an untyped pointer, which is assigment compatible with all pointer types. The type of the pointer is ^T, where T is the type of the variable reference. For example, the following will compile
Address factor
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Program tcast; {$T-} { @ returns untyped pointer } Type art = Array[1..100] of byte; Var Buffer : longint; PLargeBuffer : ^art; begin PLargeBuffer := @Buffer; end.Changing the {$T-} to {$T+} will prevent the compiler from compiling this. It will give a type mismatch error. By default, the address operator returns an untyped pointer. Applying the address operator to a function, method, or procedure identifier will give a pointer to the entry point of that function. The result is an untyped pointer. By default, you must use the address operator if you want to assign a value to a procedural type variable. This behaviour can be avoided by using the -So or -S2 switches, which result in a more compatible Delphi or Turbo Pascal syntax.