Thread: Array output not as expected

I suggest that you post the program again, but without using pointer syntax unnecessarily. Once your program is working completely, then you can convert it to use pointer syntax for fun if that is the silly requirement.

Originally Posted by Futomara

The question is about whether the total array must be changed from: (...) in order to comply with pointer syntax.

That question should be posed to your instructor.

Originally Posted by Futomara

I prefer to ask it here where I can get an answer I can understand. Plus, I won't always have an instructor. What then? Exactly, I'll be back here asking for help.

Ah, but when you don't have an instructor, you don't need to care about silly requirements like this. Basically, creating an array is not pointer syntax. But an if statement is not pointer syntax too. So, what exactly is the requirement? I interpret it as "avoid the use of array index syntax", but maybe your instructor thinks otherwise. Hence, ask your instructor. This is one of those questions that is purely for a school assignment; in the real world you would not need to worry about it.

Take note that your loop is only initializing the first 6 bytes of the array if doubles. If total is an array, you need to treat it like one. This should work...

Since t is a pointer. The following code does properly initialize the double using pointer addition

However to make the program more robust the size of the array should be passed into this function.

Code:

void init_total(double *t, int array_size)
{
	int i;
	for (i=0; i < array_size; i++)
		*(t+i) = 0;
}

Jim

Originally Posted by Futomara

My expectation is to learn the best coding practices, whether it be instructor 'taught' or through self-teaching. I generally learn better with the latter. However, it is always nice to have a place to get answers. I just want to learn the proper way to code.

That's good. The proper way to code in this case is to use array index syntax, i.e., jimblumberg's example in post #21 should be:

Code:

void init_total(double *t, size_t array_size)
{
    size_t i;
    for (i = 0; i < array_size; i++)
        t[i] = 0;
}

Notice that I left t as a pointer to double, because that is what it is. If you prefer, you could have declared it as double t[], but it would still be a pointer, not an array. Actually, in this case you could use memset instead of manually writing a loop.

Originally Posted by Futomara

One thing that is unclear is why pointers shouldn't be used.

I did not say that pointers should not be used. I said that you should use array index syntax. t[i] is equivalent to *(t+i), but it is easier to read.

Originally Posted by Futomara

I understand they are better for memory management. So, why not always use them?

It is not true that they are "better for memory management". They are necessary for the use of malloc and related functions in order to say, implement a dynamic array, but it is not always necessary to use them.