Is “int* p;\ right or is “int *p;\ right?
Both are “right” in the sense that both are valid C and C++ and both have exactly the same meaning. As far as the language definitions and the compilers are concerned we could just as well say “int*p;” or “int * p;” The choice between “int* p;” and “int *p;” is not about right and wrong, but about style and emphasis. C emphasized expressions; declarations were often considered little more than a necessary evil. C++, on the other hand, has a heavy emphasis on types. A “typical C programmer” writes “int *p;” and explains it “*p is what is the int” emphasizing syntax, and may point to the C (and C++) declaration grammar to argue for the correctness of the style. Indeed, the * binds to the name p in the grammar. A “typical C++ programmer” writes “int* p;” and explains it “p is a pointer to an int” emphasizing type. Indeed the type of p is int*. I clearly prefer that emphasis and see it as important for using the more advanced parts of C++ well.
