Why do we make pointer objects?
<p>I come from a more of the Java background, however I have come across things like this:</p>

<pre><code>SDL_Surface *dot = NULL;
</code></pre>

<p>Why is it we put the asterisk in front of the object?</p>

<p>Why can't this be done:</p>

<pre><code>SDL_Surface dot = NULL;
</code></pre>

<p>What is the difference between the two?</p>

<p>I know it's a pointer, but what happens exactly?</p>
