Dynamically create an array of strings with malloc

c arrays malloc
Chris picture Chris · May 9, 2011 · Viewed 142.3k times · Source

I am trying to create an array of strings in C using malloc. The number of strings that the array will hold can change at run time, but the length of the strings will always be consistent.

I've attempted this (see below), but am having trouble, any tips in the right direction will be much appreciated!

#define ID_LEN 5
char *orderedIds;
int i;
int variableNumberOfElements = 5; /* Hard coded here */

orderedIds = malloc(variableNumberOfElements * (ID_LEN + 1));

Ultimately I want to be able to use the array to do this:

strcpy(orderedIds[0], string1);
strcpy(orderedIds[1], string2);
/* etc */

Answer

MByD picture MByD · May 9, 2011

You should assign an array of char pointers, and then, for each pointer assign enough memory for the string:

char **orderedIds;

orderedIds = malloc(variableNumberOfElements * sizeof(char*));
for (int i = 0; i < variableNumberOfElements; i++)
    orderedIds[i] = malloc((ID_LEN+1) * sizeof(char)); // yeah, I know sizeof(char) is 1, but to make it clear...

Seems like a good way to me. Although you perform many mallocs, you clearly assign memory for a specific string, and you can free one block of memory without freeing the whole "string array"

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