`malloc`, `calloc`, and `realloc`

malloc - Allocating Memory

• The malloc function allocates a specified number of bytes of memory and returns a pointer to the beginning of the allocated block.

  int *dynamicArray = (int *)malloc(5 * sizeof(int));

This example allocates memory for an integer array with a size of 5.

calloc - Allocating and Initializing Memory

• The calloc function allocates a specified number of blocks of memory, each with a specified size. It initializes the memory to zero.

  int *zeroedArray = (int *)calloc(5, sizeof(int));

Here, memory is allocated for an integer array of size 5, and each element is initialized to zero.

realloc - Resizing Memory

• The realloc function is used to resize a previously allocated block of memory. It takes a pointer to the original block, the new size, and returns a pointer to the resized block.

  int *resizedArray = (int *)realloc(dynamicArray, 10 * sizeof(int));

This example resizes the previously allocated dynamicArray to accommodate 10 integers.

Memory Deallocation

• Proper memory deallocation is essential to prevent memory leaks. The free function is used to release the memory allocated by malloc, calloc, or realloc.

  free(dynamicArray); free(zeroedArray);

Always free dynamically allocated memory when it is no longer needed.

Choosing the Right Function

• Use malloc when you need to allocate a block of memory without initializing its content. Use calloc when you want to allocate and initialize memory to zero. Use realloc when you need to resize a previously allocated block.

Understanding these memory allocation functions and their appropriate use is crucial for effective memory management and avoiding common pitfalls in C programming.

If you have specific questions or if there are additional topics you'd like to explore, feel free to ask!