The Jargon File (version 4.4.7, 29 Dec 2003):

chase pointers


    1. vi. To go through multiple levels of indirection, as in traversing a
    linked list or graph structure. Used esp. by programmers in C, where
    explicit pointers are a very common data type. This is techspeak, but it
    remains jargon when used of human networks. ?I'm chasing pointers. Bob said
    you could tell me who to talk to about....? See dangling pointer and 
    snap.

    2. [Cambridge] pointer chase or pointer hunt: The process of going through
    a core dump (sense 1), interactively or on a large piece of paper printed
    with hex runes, following dynamic data-structures. Used only in a
    debugging context.


The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):

chase pointers

    To determine a chain of memory locations where
   each location holds a pointer to the next, starting from some
   initial pointer, e.g.  traversing a linked list or other
   graph structure.  This may be performed by a computer
   executing a program or by a programmer going through a core
   dump or using a debugger.

   [Jargon File]

   (2006-05-06)