What is the main difference between the two declarations given below:
1. pi=(int*)malloc(sizeof(int));
2. pi=malloc(sizeof(int));
As far as I've learned, in the 1st declaration, the first byte of the memory of size of integer is returned to pi, which is of integer type. But then, what's the second declaration for?
Assuming that pi is an int* or what amounts to an int*, and that the <stdlib.h> header was included, there is no difference.
#1 merely does a type cast whereas #2 relies on the implicit conversion from void* to whatever the type of pi is. #2 has an advantage in that if you forget to #include <stdlib.h>, the compiler will likely warn you about a type conversion problem, whereas the type cast with #1 will likely silence such a warning. On the other hand, if you were writing code that is also intended to be compilable as C++, #1 is necessary since C++ does not provide an implicit conversion from void*.
Look up a C++ Reference and learn How To Ask Questions The Smart WayOriginally Posted by Bjarne Stroustrup (2000-10-14)
Thanks a lot
