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C Dynamic Memory Allocation

The document explains dynamic memory allocation in C using standard library functions: malloc(), calloc(), free(), and realloc(). It details the purpose and syntax of each function, providing examples of how to allocate, initialize, and free memory. Additionally, a sample program demonstrates the use of these functions in practice.

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28 views5 pages

C Dynamic Memory Allocation

The document explains dynamic memory allocation in C using standard library functions: malloc(), calloc(), free(), and realloc(). It details the purpose and syntax of each function, providing examples of how to allocate, initialize, and free memory. Additionally, a sample program demonstrates the use of these functions in practice.

Uploaded by

sankeerthrockz2002
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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C Dynamic Memory Allocation

Dynamically allocate memory in your C program using standard


library functions:

❖ malloc(),

❖ calloc()

❖ free()

❖ realloc().

These functions are defined in the <stdlib.h> header file.

malloc()
The name "malloc" stands for memory allocation.

The malloc() function reserves a block of memory of the specified


number of bytes. And, it returns a pointer of void which can be casted
into pointers of any form.

Syntax of malloc()

ptr = (castType*) malloc(size);

Example

ptr = (float*) malloc(100 * sizeof(float));


The above statement allocates 400 bytes of memory. It's because the
size of float is 4 bytes. And, the pointer ptr holds the address of the first
byte in the allocated memory.

C calloc()
The name "calloc" stands for contiguous allocation.

The malloc() function allocates memory and leaves the memory


uninitialized. Whereas, the calloc() function allocates memory and
initializes all bits to zero.

Syntax of calloc()

ptr = (castType*)calloc(n, size);

Example:

ptr = (float*) calloc(25, sizeof(float));The


above statement allocates contiguous
space in memory for 25 elements of type float .

C free()
Dynamically allocated memory created with
either calloc() or malloc() doesn't get freed on their own. You must

explicitly use free() to release the space.

Syntax of free()

free(ptr);statement frees the space allocated in the memory pointed


by ptr .
C realloc()
If the dynamically allocated memory is insufficient or more than
required, you can change the size of previously allocated memory
using the realloc() function.

Syntax of realloc()

ptr = realloc(ptr, x);

Here, ptr is reallocated with a new size x .

int main(){

int *ptr, i , n1, n2;

printf("Enter size: ");

scanf("%d", &n1);

ptr = (int*) malloc(n1 * sizeof(int));

printf("Addresses of previously allocated memory: ");

for(i = 0; i < n1; ++i)

printf("%u\n",ptr + i);

printf("\nEnter the new size: ");

scanf("%d", &n2);
// rellocating the memory

ptr = realloc(ptr, n2 * sizeof(int));

printf("Addresses of newly allocated memory: ");

for(i = 0; i < n2; ++i)

printf("%u\n", ptr + i);

free(ptr);

return 0;

When you run the program, the output will be:

Enter size: 2

Addresses of previously allocated memory:26855472

26855476

Enter the new size: 4

Addresses of newly allocated memory:26855472

26855476

26855480

26855484

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