Using new while creating an array of a struct

**thadis_4** · 02-25-2012

Hey I am working on an example questions from a book and the question is asking to use an example but they want me to make it so you have an array of 3 structures using the new command. I have tried and do not believe I am able to figure out how to create a array of structures using the new command. Here is my code if you want to look at it.

Code:

#include <iostream>
#include <string>


struct CandyBar
{
    std::string name;
    float weight;
    int calories;
};


int main()
{
    using namespace std;



    CandyBar snack[3] = new CandyBar;
    cout<< "What is the snack's name?\n";
    getline(cin, snack[0].name);
    cout<< "What is the snack's weight?\n";
    cin>> snack[0].weight;
    cout<< "How many caolories does it haev?\n";
    cin>> snack[0].calories;


    cout<< "The name of the canyd bar is " << snack[0].name
        << " it weights " << snack[0].weight << " much\n and it has " << snack[0].calories << " calories.";
    
    delete [] snack;
    return 0;
}

I know I do not have anything accessing the other arrays yet but I just wanted to figure out how to create an array before I wrote out the data it needs to hold.

**Elysia** · 02-25-2012

new always return a pointer, so the type of your variable must be a pointer:
CandyBar* snack

Furthermore, if you want an array, you specify the number of items directly after the type in new:
new CandyBar[3]

So, putting it together, it becomes
CandyBar* snack = new CandyBar[3];

If you have a modern compiler, you can even simply that to:
auto snack = new CandyBar[3];

and let the compiler figure out the type for snack for you, so you don't have to type it.

Btw, before delving into pointers with new and delete, it may be a good idea to learn about smart pointer.

**thadis_4** · 02-25-2012

Oh forgot to put the * in before that and did not know you had to put the number of arrays you want on the side with the new. I have two more questions though about two things you brought up. Which compiler or IDE would you recommend to use that has all or some of the new features? I currently think I am using Code:Block 10.05 and its is not able to do the new C++11 stuff like auto or the new array type. Also is there some where were I can look for smart pointers? Saying I defiantly want to understand them better saying I have not understand really much about when to and not to use pointers.

**Elysia** · 02-26-2012

Code::Blocks supports C++11. Just make sure to grab latest gcc and enable support in compiler options (it is called C++0x there).

**thadis_4** · 02-26-2012

Oh thanks for that I have been trying to look for it but I do not know my away around Code::Blocks or any compiler or IDE to know what any of the stuff means really. Also how do you use smart pointers? I have looked in the book I have though I wasnt able to find reference to them in the pointer section or the index. Do you have any suggestions were I should look to learn about how to use them?