2-D Array Initialization error (Header File)

Hello,

I want to use the contents of a 2-D array in different .cpp files

So, I taught of doing it with a header file.

Code:

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(In XYZ.h)
int abc[5][20];
abc[5][5]=98; // This is not valid

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Direct initialization outside a funtion is Not Allowed and so "abc[5][5]=98;" is giving an error.
I want to use that array in different .cpp files
So how should I do this?

Also i have another question
If my array is filled in this way
abc[0][] -- Has 20 elements
abc[1][] -- actually needs only abc[1][10] (10 elements are enough)
So is it possible to dynamically do it to save that extra space used.

Thanks :)

You can't have code statements such as the assignment you are attempting outside of a function. You can initialize at the point of declaration/instantiation however:

Code:

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// Good (inside or outside of a function block)
int ar[2][2] = {{2,4},{8,16}};


// Bad (outside of a function block)
int ar[2][2];
ar[0][0] = 2;
ar[0][1] = 4;
ar[1][0] = 8;
ar[1][1] = 16;

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If you want the later rather than the former, you'll need to put those assignment statements in a function of some kind that you would use to initialize the array. On a side note to that, its usually a bad idea to declare variables in a header file, especially a header that is going to be included in multiple source files unless said variable is declared extern.

As for your other array question. Do you really need to save 40 bytes of space? If you don't need to use all the space then simply don't use it. The extra 40 bytes for that array that you think are wasted are probably easier to deal with than the complexities involved in the various solutions to the problem.

Thanks :)

Code:

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int ar[2][2] = {{2,4},{8,16}};

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Ok i will do it this way in the Header File ..

And coming to the second question
My array is of size 600*300 and of type Long Long
so each is of 64bits length and 8bytes size.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hk_mp5kpdw

On a side note to that, its usually a bad idea to declare variables in a header file, especially a header that is going to be included in multiple source files unless said variable is declared extern.

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I think you missed reading this.

Tim S.

> I want to use the contents of a 2-D array in different .cpp files
> So, I taught of doing it with a header file.
Well if you put the array definition in the header file, then EVERY source file is going to get a complete copy. Given the size you propose, this is a big waste of memory.

Code:

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// in the .h file
extern long long array[600][300];

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Code:

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// in exactly ONE .cpp file
long long array[600][300] = {
  { // 300 elements separated by commas },
  { // another 300 },
  { // only 598 more rows to go },
};

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Salem

> I want to use the contents of a 2-D array in different .cpp files
> So, I taught of doing it with a header file.
Well if you put the array definition in the header file, then EVERY source file is going to get a complete copy. Given the size you propose, this is a big waste of memory.

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And will cause a multiple definitions linker error ;)