Thread: Trouble understanding malloc() syntax

  1. #1
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    Trouble understanding malloc() syntax

    In the book I'm learning C from, the following example is given:

    Code:
     /* allocate memory for an array of 50 integers */
    int *numbers;
    numbers = (int *) malloc(50 * sizeof(int));
    Am I correct in reading this as:

    1) numbers is the pointer to the first address in the allocated block
    2) (int *) tells malloc the data type of what is going into that block
    3) malloc(50 * sizeof(int)) allocates a block of memory 50 times the byte size of int

    ?

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    & the hat of GPL slaying Thantos's Avatar
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    if you are compiling as C get rid of the cast (int *) as it is not needed and will suppress any warnings that is caused by failing to #include <stdlib.h>

    But yes I think your understanding is correct

  3. #3
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    Hmmm, at this point in the book, "cast" is not covered. Could you please explain what it means?

  4. #4
    Obsessed with C chrismiceli's Avatar
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    He is saying don't cast it, change this:
    Code:
    numbers = (int *) malloc(50 * sizeof(int));
    to this:
    Code:
    numbers = malloc(50 * sizeof(int));
    Casting changes one variable type to another temporarily. Casting the return of malloc hides warnings if you forgot to include stdlib.h.
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  5. #5
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    A cast is pretty much just an explicit conversion of a type of an object.

    For example, you can "cast" a double to an int by using the cast operator ():

    myint1 = (int)mydouble;

    Although be careful because that could change the value of your double if your double is not something that an int can store (i.e. 4.2 would store only the 4 in the int).

  6. #6
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    OK, I see now. Thanks guys!

  7. #7
    End Of Line Hammer's Avatar
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    When all else fails, read the instructions.
    If you're posting code, use code tags: [code] /* insert code here */ [/code]

  8. #8
    * Death to Visual Basic * Devil Panther's Avatar
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    what's the problem with the (int *) cast?
    Code:
    numbers = (int *) malloc(50 * sizeof(int));
    "I don't suffer from insanity but enjoy every minute of it" - Edgar Allen Poe

    http://www.Bloodware.net - Developing free software for the community.

  9. #9
    End Of Line Hammer's Avatar
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    >>what's the problem with the (int *) cast?
    Read the link I posted, search the forum, search the web, this has been discussed many times.
    When all else fails, read the instructions.
    If you're posting code, use code tags: [code] /* insert code here */ [/code]

  10. #10
    * Death to Visual Basic * Devil Panther's Avatar
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    is there also the same problem with (char *) ?
    "I don't suffer from insanity but enjoy every minute of it" - Edgar Allen Poe

    http://www.Bloodware.net - Developing free software for the community.

  11. #11
    End Of Line Hammer's Avatar
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    You really want me to answer that?
    When all else fails, read the instructions.
    If you're posting code, use code tags: [code] /* insert code here */ [/code]

  12. #12
    & the hat of GPL slaying Thantos's Avatar
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    any casting of a void * in C is unneeded and will cause the warning to be suppressed.

  13. #13
    * Death to Visual Basic * Devil Panther's Avatar
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    i understand it now.

    thank you
    "I don't suffer from insanity but enjoy every minute of it" - Edgar Allen Poe

    http://www.Bloodware.net - Developing free software for the community.

  14. #14
    Quote Originally Posted by Sereby
    In the book I'm learning C from, the following example is given:

    Code:
     /* allocate memory for an array of 50 integers */
    int *numbers;
    numbers = (int *) malloc(50 * sizeof(int));
    Am I correct in reading this as:

    1) numbers is the pointer to the first address in the allocated block
    No. If not NULL, numbers is a pointer that holds the address of the of the allocated block. It happens that, by-definition, this value is also the address of the first element of the array.
    2) (int *) tells malloc the data type of what is going into that block
    No. Actually, it's useless in C. malloc() returns a value of type void *. In C, it is directly compatible with any pointer to an object. The cast was useful 30 years ago with the very early version of the C-language (aka K&R) because 'void' didn't existed yet, hence malloc() was returning char*, making the cast mandatory.
    3) malloc(50 * sizeof(int)) allocates a block of memory 50 times the byte size of int
    Assuming 'byte size' means 'size in bytes', yes. It could have been written:
    Code:
    int *numbers = malloc (50 * sizeof *numbers);
    It does exactly what we want, and maintenance is easier:

    Change to double :
    Code:
    double *numbers = malloc (50 * sizeof *numbers);
    End of the story.

    Well, three important points yet:
    • Be sure that <stdlib.h> is included in the source file
    • malloc() can fail. The value should be tested against NULL before use. NULL means 'allocation error'. Use of NULL invokes an undefined behaviour (aka serious bug).
    • The bloc must be freed (free()) after use. The address passed to free() must be exactly the value received from the corresponding malloc().
    Emmanuel Delahaye

    "C is a sharp tool"

  15. #15
    Quote Originally Posted by Devil Panther
    what's the problem with the (int *) cast?
    Code:
    numbers = (int *) malloc(50 * sizeof(int));
    Isn't it an old hat ?

    What about reading the FAQ?
    Emmanuel Delahaye

    "C is a sharp tool"

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