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Dynamic Memory Allocation Notes

Dynamic Memory Allocation in C allows memory to be allocated at runtime using pointers, enabling efficient use of memory for data structures with unknown sizes at compile time. Key functions include malloc(), calloc(), realloc(), and free(), each serving specific purposes for memory management. An example demonstrates how to allocate, use, and free memory for an array of integers.

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23 views4 pages

Dynamic Memory Allocation Notes

Dynamic Memory Allocation in C allows memory to be allocated at runtime using pointers, enabling efficient use of memory for data structures with unknown sizes at compile time. Key functions include malloc(), calloc(), realloc(), and free(), each serving specific purposes for memory management. An example demonstrates how to allocate, use, and free memory for an array of integers.

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lollipopfx177
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Dynamic Memory Allocation in C

1. Definition

Dynamic Memory Allocation refers to the process of allocating memory during runtime using pointers. Unlike

static memory allocation, memory is allocated from the heap and can be resized or freed during the

program's execution.

It allows efficient memory usage when the size of data structures (like arrays) is not known at compile time.

2. Syntax

pointer = (castType *) malloc(size);

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

pointer = (castType *) realloc(pointer, newSize);

free(pointer);

- pointer: Variable that stores the address of the allocated memory.

- castType: Type of data (e.g., int, float).

- size: Memory size in bytes.

- n: Number of elements.

- newSize: New size of memory block.

3. Example

#include <stdio.h>

#include <stdlib.h>

int main() {

int *ptr;
Dynamic Memory Allocation in C

int n, i;

printf("Enter number of elements: ");

scanf("%d", &n);

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

if (ptr == NULL) {

printf("Memory not allocated.\n");

return 1;

printf("Enter elements:\n");

for (i = 0; i < n; i++) {

scanf("%d", ptr + i);

printf("You entered:\n");

for (i = 0; i < n; i++) {

printf("%d ", *(ptr + i));

free(ptr);

return 0;

}
Dynamic Memory Allocation in C

4. Functions in Dynamic Memory Allocation

1. malloc()

2. calloc()

3. realloc()

4. free()

5. Detailed Functions

i. malloc() - Memory Allocation

- Definition: Allocates a single block of memory of specified size.

- Syntax:

ptr = (castType *) malloc(size);

- Example:

int *ptr = (int *) malloc(5 * sizeof(int));

ii. calloc() - Contiguous Allocation

- Definition: Allocates multiple blocks of memory and initializes them to zero.

- Syntax:

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

- Example:

float *arr = (float *) calloc(10, sizeof(float));

iii. realloc() - Reallocation


Dynamic Memory Allocation in C

- Definition: Resizes previously allocated memory block.

- Syntax:

ptr = realloc(ptr, newSize);

- Example:

ptr = realloc(ptr, 20 * sizeof(int));

iv. free() - Free Memory

- Definition: Deallocates memory previously allocated using malloc, calloc, or realloc.

- Syntax:

free(ptr);

- Example:

free(ptr);

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