C Programming: Static vs Dynamic Memory Allocation

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12 Questions

What type of variables are typically assigned static memory allocation in C?

Global variables

Where is static memory allocated in C?

Stack

What happens if you forget to deallocate memory that was allocated dynamically in C?

The program experiences a memory leak error

What is a disadvantage of dynamic memory allocation in C?

It has a large overhead

How is a function pointer different from a standard function call?

It allows you to call a function using its memory location

In which scenario would you use function pointers?

When you want to plug one function into another

What is one advantage of using function pointers?

Avoidance of temporary variables

What advantage do function pointers offer for creating quicksort programs for different data types?

Avoids writing type-specific sort functions

What is the purpose of the main function in the given program?

To iterate through an array and call the functions dbl, tple, and qdpl

What is the purpose of the functions dbl, tple, and qdpl?

To perform mathematical operations on an integer and update its value

What does the expression *n = *n * *n * *n do in the tple function?

It computes the cube of n and assigns it to n

What is stored in the array p in line 8 of the program?

Addresses of functions dbl, tple, and qdpl

Study Notes

Memory Allocation in C

  • Static memory allocation is typically used for global variables, function parameters, and local variables that are declared as static.
  • Static memory is allocated in the data segment of the program.

Dynamic Memory Allocation in C

  • Forgetting to deallocate memory that was allocated dynamically can lead to memory leaks.
  • Dynamic memory allocation is disadvantaged by increased overhead due to the need to manually manage memory.

Function Pointers in C

  • A function pointer is different from a standard function call in that it allows for indirect function calls.
  • Function pointers are useful in scenarios where the function to be called is determined at runtime.
  • An advantage of function pointers is that they allow for more flexibility in code, enabling the creation of more modular and reusable code.
  • Function pointers are particularly useful in creating quicksort programs for different data types, as they enable the sorting function to be easily swapped out.

Program Analysis

  • The main function is the entry point of the program and is responsible for initiating program execution.
  • The functions dbl, tple, and qdpl perform arithmetic operations on their input parameters.
  • The expression *n = *n * *n * *n in the tple function calculates the cube of the input value.
  • The array p in line 8 of the program stores function pointers to the dbl, tple, and qdpl functions.

Test your knowledge about the different types of memory allocation in C programming - static and dynamic. Learn about how static allocation is allocated to the Stack with a fixed size, while dynamic allocation allows for memory size adjustments and is stored in the Heap.

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