copying a string - simple question!

[m.truman.88]

Hi,

I have a string char *input and i just want to make a copy of it - char *inputcopy

if i say inputcopy = input and then change input then inputcopy changes too which I don't want. If i use strcpy(inputcopy, input) then I get a segmentation fault. I'd appreciate any help, it's driving me crazy!

[Salem]

Well you need to call malloc() to allocate some space for your copy, then use strcpy() to make a copy.

[ArunS]

inputcopy = input /*Both the pointers will point to same memory where the actual string stored*/

if you are going to use strcpy, first allocate enough memory for inputcopy pointer then do strcpy

[grumpy]

A pointer to char is not a string.

You need to use strcpy(), but also ensure inputcopy is associated with an array large enough to accept the contents of input.

For example;

      char inputcopy[some_length];    // some_length must be at least strlen(input)+1
      strcpy(inputcopy, input);

or

    char *inputcopy = malloc(strlen(input) + 1);
    strcpy(inputcopy, input);
    free(inputcopy);

or (if your compiler is C99 compliant only)

    char inputcopy[strlen(input) + 1];
    strcpy(inputcopy, input);

[m.truman.88]

thanks