Thread: Problem with realloc in the following function

  1. #1
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    Problem with realloc in the following function

    I'm trying to write a function that doubles the size of an array of strings. The function also initializes all the new elements in the array to 100 char strings. However, the function doesnt work at all. I was wondering if someone could tell me what is wrong with it. Thanks.

    Code:
    char **doubleStringArray(char **stringArray, int* size){
    
    	int i;
    	stringArray = (char**) realloc(stringArray, 2*(*size));
    	for (i = (*size); i < 2*(*size); i++){
    		stringArray[i] = (char*) malloc(100);
    	}
    	*size = 2 * (*size);
    
    	return stringArray;
    
    }

  2. #2
    Registered User Codeplug's Avatar
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    There is nothing functionally wrong with it. You are probably using it wrong.

    gg

  3. #3
    and the hat of int overfl Salem's Avatar
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    > stringArray = (char**) realloc(stringArray, 2*(*size));
    1. lose the casts - there is no need to cast memory allocation functions in C. At worst, it results in incorrect code because you hide your failure to include stdlib.h, and hence prototype the function properly.

    2. the size of 2 is a big assumption about the size of pointers
    It should be
    sizeof(char*) * (*size )

    3. If realloc fails, you lose your old allocation as well
    Do it like so
    Code:
    char **t = realloc ( stringArray, sizeof(char*) * (*size) );
    if ( t != NULL ) {
        stringArray = t;
    } else {
        // realloc failed, but stringArray is still usable
    }
    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.

  4. #4
    Registered User Codeplug's Avatar
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    There is nothing functionally wrong with it.
    And by that I meant it compiles......yeah, that's the ticket.

    gg

  5. #5
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    I multiply by 2 because I am doubling the size of the array, thats why I do that

    And it still doesnt work after doing all that you said

  6. #6
    and the hat of int overfl Salem's Avatar
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    > I multiply by 2 because I am doubling the size of the array
    Then it's
    2 * (*size) * sizeof(char*)

    red is how many you want
    blue is how big each one is
    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.

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