This is an extension of recommendation: STR30-C. Do not attempt to modify string literals
Since string literals are constant, they should only be assigned to constant pointers as indicated below:
char\* c1 = "Hello"; // Bad: assigned to non-const char c2\[\] = "Hello"; // Bad: assigned to non-const char c3\[6\] = "Hello"; // Bad: assigned to non-const c1\[3\] = 'a'; // Undefined (but compiles) const char\* c1 = "Hello"; // Good const char c2\[\] = "Hello"; // Good const char c3\[6\] = "Hello"; // Good c1\[3\] = 'a'; // Compile error
By assigning string literals to constant pointers the compiler will warn you if you try to modify them.
Resource to use to find out more about an ongoing debate about this issue:
http://www.open-std.org/jtc1/sc22/wg21/docs/papers/1993/N0389.asc
[Lockheed Martin 2005] Lockheed Martin. Joint Strike Fighter Air Vehicle C++ Coding Standards for the System Development and Demonstration Program. Document Number 2RDU00001, Rev C. December 2005. AV Rule 151.1