In C, what is the purpose of the `free()` function when working with dynamic arrays?
Understand the Problem
The question asks about the purpose of the free() function in C when used with dynamic arrays. It is important to understand memory management in C, specifically how dynamically allocated memory is handled and released to prevent memory leaks.
Answer
The `free()` function deallocates dynamically allocated memory in C, preventing memory leaks.
In C, the free() function is used to deallocate memory that was previously allocated dynamically using functions like malloc() or calloc(). This prevents memory leaks by returning the memory to the system for reuse.
Answer for screen readers
In C, the free() function is used to deallocate memory that was previously allocated dynamically using functions like malloc() or calloc(). This prevents memory leaks by returning the memory to the system for reuse.
More Information
Memory leaks can occur if allocated memory is not freed, leading to program instability or crashes. free() is essential for proper memory management in C when using dynamic allocation.
Tips
A common mistake is to forget to free() memory after it is no longer needed. Also, avoid freeing the same memory twice, as this can lead to undefined behavior.
Sources
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