C Programming: Static vs Dynamic Memory Allocation

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.