How do you dynamically allocate a 2D matrix in C++? I have tried based on what I already know:
#include <iostream>
int main(){
int rows;
int cols;
int * arr;
arr = new int[rows][cols];
}
It works for one parameter, but now for two. What should I do?
A matrix is actually an array of arrays.
int rows = ..., cols = ...;
int** matrix = new int*[rows];
for (int i = 0; i < rows; ++i)
matrix[i] = new int[cols];
Of course, to delete the matrix, you should do the following:
for (int i = 0; i < rows; ++i)
delete [] matrix[i];
delete [] matrix;
I have just figured out another possibility:
int rows = ..., cols = ...;
int** matrix = new int*[rows];
if (rows)
{
matrix[0] = new int[rows * cols];
for (int i = 1; i < rows; ++i)
matrix[i] = matrix[0] + i * cols;
}
Freeing this array is easier:
if (rows) delete [] matrix[0];
delete [] matrix;
This solution has the advantage of allocating a single big block of memory for all the elements, instead of several little chunks. The first solution I posted is a better example of the arrays of arrays concept, though.