Pls help:: function initializing for 2d array

I (dynamically) allocated memory for a 2D array. I realize that I must declare the 2nd dimension above the main function, but I do NOT know the value of this second dimension.
ex.
void rand_gen(int need_num, int array[][], int dim);

Later on in the program, the user is asked to enter the dim (dimension) values.
How do I correctly declare this function?

this part of a big sliding numbers assignment (it is big for me!)
i really appreciate any help. Thankx in advance!
may help come to you when you need it

Code:

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void rand_gen(int need_num, int **array, int dim);

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Or perhaps

Code:

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void rand_gen(int need_num, int **array, size_t dim);

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[sizeof() returns a size_t, and malloc() takes a size_t.]

Thanx for the help.
but it gives me some errors
error C2059: syntax error : '*'
for that line

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ypramesh

I (dynamically) allocated memory for a 2D array. I realize that I must declare the 2nd dimension above the main function, but I do NOT know the value of this second dimension.
ex.
void rand_gen(int need_num, int array[][], int dim);

Later on in the program, the user is asked to enter the dim (dimension) values.
How do I correctly declare this function?

this part of a big sliding numbers assignment (it is big for me!)
i really appreciate any help. Thankx in advance!
may help come to you when you need it

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If you know how many columes (arrays) you'll need at compile time, then you could use an array of pointers:

char *arrptr[COLUMES];

On the other hand, if you do not know how many arrays you'll need at compile time, than you can create the arrays dynamically at runtime via malloc, using a pointer to a pointer:

Code:

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char** pp;
pp = malloc(COLUMES * sizeof(*pp));

for ( i = 0; i < COLMUES; ++i )
      pp[i] = malloc(ROWS/*elements per array*/  * sizeof(**pp));

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