Help Creating a 2D array

Hey guys long time reader first time poster


Basically I wanted to know how to take an input from the command line and use that input to create a 2d array,

I am not really sure where to start but I can hard code the arrays and I dont have a problem with that but when it comes to argvc or what ever it is I just cant get my head around it and figure this out.

I am testing it out with a user input and it still doesnt work?

Code:

int DIM;
printf("DIM please: ");
scanf("%d", &DIM);
int array[DIM][DIM];

Just a example of what i am trying to do.

Apparently using malloc is really the way to go but I dont know how to use malloc instead, I have come here for some help would really appreciate it.

Yes, you need malloc(). Otherwise, just declare 2D array with MAX_SIZE and tell your user that your program only accepts only input less than MAX_SIZE.
Btw, variable All Caps are only supposed to be for macro/constant...by convention.

If you want to use malloc(), read through a good tutorial first.

The issue is that the declaration has to be made by the command line input, so I wont know what the user will put in and it kinda limits the program aswell if I do that.

Is malloc the only way to go?

any other paths if not do you know any good basic tutorials that can help me out in this department using malloc.

Chapter 11: Memory Allocation
Question 6.16
http://pw1.netcom.com/~tjensen/ptr/pointers.htm

Edit: If you are using C99, you could use VLA. But better don't use them.