Thread: __align usage

  1. 07-20-2006 #1
    7force
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    Question __align usage

    I want to create a buffer variable that starts from an even address in memory. Does the __align achieve this?

    What I found states that:-
    "Use the __align specifier to explicitly specify alignment and padding when declaring or defining data items."

    but it doesn't explicitly mention abt the starting address.
    So if I do something like this:-

    Code:
    __align(4) uint16 my_buffer[MAX_BUFFER_SIZE];
    Can I safely say that my_buffer starts from an even address and is aligned every word-size with 2-bytes padded?

    I'm new to this specifier so pardon any confusion I may cause in my description.
  2. 07-21-2006 #2
    Salem
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    It might help if you said which compiler you are using.

    > I want to create a buffer variable that starts from an even address in memory. Does the __align achieve this?
    Given the type (which I guess is an unsigned short), the compiler probably aligns it to an even address anyway.
    The compiler will always align things to whatever most suits the data types you have.

    But your use of align seems consistent.

    > Can I safely say that my_buffer starts from an even address and is aligned every word-size with 2-bytes padded?
    For a simple array, there will be no internal padding.
    If you dance barefoot on the broken glass of undefined behaviour, you've got to expect the occasional cut.
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  3. 07-23-2006 #3
    7force
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    Sorry for the late reply..been away from the boards.
    The compiler I'm using is ARM compiler.

    Is there a good site from whcih I can find out how the a compiler treat the __align command?
    I've did some intense searching but have yet to find any good sites.
  4. 07-24-2006 #4
    Salem
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    First place to look is the manual.
    Then the website of the company that makes the compiler.
    Then the website of the company that makes the target board you're using containing the ARM processor.
    If you dance barefoot on the broken glass of undefined behaviour, you've got to expect the occasional cut.
    If at first you don't succeed, try writing your phone number on the exam paper.
  5. 07-24-2006 #5
    cbastard
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    The pragma operator can be used to do the byte alignment.Check your compiler supports the pop and push arguments of pragma because these are not in ANSI standards.
    Long time no C. I need to learn the language again.
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  6. 07-24-2006 #6
    7force
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    Alrite. Sounds like a good start. Thanks for the lead guys.
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