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Dynamically Allocating Structs

Let's review how to dynamically allocate memory in the C language.

To allocate memory on the heap, use the malloc() function from the stdlib.h library:


python

Note

When you dynamically allocate memory for use in your program, that memory remains reserved until you explicitly free it using free().

main


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#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>

// structure definition
struct Example {
    int someValue[20]; // int = 4 bytes, 20 * 4 = 80 bytes
};

int main() {
    // allocating memory for Example structure
    struct Example* pExample = (struct Example*)malloc(sizeof(struct Example));

    printf("Allocating memory = %zu bytes\n", sizeof(*pExample));

    // freeing memory
    free(pExample);
    
    return 0;
}

If a structure contains several fields of different data types, the compiler will equalize the size of the fields so that the structure is "conveniently" stored in memory.

After the completed job, pay attention to how many bytes are allocated for the structure with the int and char fields. This phenomenon will be discussed later in this course.

Task

Swipe to start coding

Create a pointer variable and allocate memory for your structure;
Display the size of structure;
Fill the fields and display the content of your structure;
Free up the allocated memory;
Displaying the values again.

Solution

Switch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below

Everything was clear?

Thanks for your feedback!

Section 2. Chapter 4

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Dynamically Allocating Structs

Let's review how to dynamically allocate memory in the C language.

To allocate memory on the heap, use the malloc() function from the stdlib.h library:


python

Note

When you dynamically allocate memory for use in your program, that memory remains reserved until you explicitly free it using free().

main


              12345678910111213141516171819
            
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>

// structure definition
struct Example {
    int someValue[20]; // int = 4 bytes, 20 * 4 = 80 bytes
};

int main() {
    // allocating memory for Example structure
    struct Example* pExample = (struct Example*)malloc(sizeof(struct Example));

    printf("Allocating memory = %zu bytes\n", sizeof(*pExample));

    // freeing memory
    free(pExample);
    
    return 0;
}

If a structure contains several fields of different data types, the compiler will equalize the size of the fields so that the structure is "conveniently" stored in memory.

After the completed job, pay attention to how many bytes are allocated for the structure with the int and char fields. This phenomenon will be discussed later in this course.

Task

Swipe to start coding

Create a pointer variable and allocate memory for your structure;
Display the size of structure;
Fill the fields and display the content of your structure;
Free up the allocated memory;
Displaying the values again.

Solution

Switch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below

Everything was clear?

Thanks for your feedback!

Section 2. Chapter 4

Switch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below