Array size

Ln_mark7930 · Joined: 06 Mar 2009 Posts: 21

Is it possible use array with variable length of data?
Now my code is:

Ttelmah · Guest

Yes. But obviously not with a length given.
From the manual:

const char colors[3] [*] = {"Red", "Green", "Blue"};

However, _caveat_, the resulting code is bulkier than using fixed length strings. It is not worth doing, if you are only saving a few bytes, since you lose more than you gain. The compiler has to store a separate table, containing the start locations of the strings, since it can no longer calculate them by simple multiplication....
Only actually 'works', on fairly recent compilers.

Best Wishes

rnielsen · Joined: 23 Sep 2003 Posts: 852 Location: Utah

One thing to remember when creating string variables, make sure you leave room for the terminating NULL character. If your string is 12 characters long your variable needs to be at least 13 bytes in size. Also, make sure you actually do terminate the string or you will get very erratic results down the road that will cause you to pull some hair out. I speak from experience, as I'm sure others can as well.

Ronald