Dynamic memory allocation involves using operators new and delete. These operators allow you to allocate memory for variables and arrays at runtime, providing greater flexibility than static memory allocation.

• new: operator that is used to dynamically allocate memory for an object or an array of objects during runtime;
• delete: operator that is used to deallocate memory that was previously allocated with the new operator.

Note

A pointer pointing to dynamically allocated memory is typically stored on the stack, but the memory it points to is allocated on the heap.

To create an integer variable dynamically you have to use a pointer along with the new keyword.

To free the dynamically allocated memory, you use the delete operator:

Make it a rule for yourself: when you use new to allocate memory, always use delete to free it up later.

Note

Failure to delete dynamically allocated memory can result in memory leaks, where the program retains memory that is no longer in use.

Dynamic Allocated Arrays

When allocating memory for arrays dynamically, use the new[ ] operator and when releasing memory for dynamically allocated arrays, use delete[ ].