c++ initialization of an array of string pointers

Question

I want to initialize an array of std::string pointers of size that i get from a constructor. Also, i want to do the same for two int arrays but the code below doesn't compile:

class MyQuickInitArray
{
public:
    MyQuickInitArray(int size)
    {
        if(size <= 0)
        {
            throw new std::exception;
        }

        _size = size;
        _counter = 0;
        A = new std::string[size];
        B = new int[size];
        C = new int[size];
    }

    std::string& operator[](int j) {
        if(j > _size)
        {
            throw std::out_of_range("out of range");
        }

        if(((B[j]<0) || (B[j]>=_counter)) || (C[B[j]]!=j))
        {
            // A[j] points to junk
            _counter++;
            A[j] = new std::string;
            B[j] = _counter-1;
            C[_counter-1] = j;
            return A[j];
        }

        // the cell was instantiated before
        return A[j];
    }

    ~MyQuickInitArray(){};


private:
    std::string* A[];
    int B[];
    int C[];
    int _size;
    int _counter;
};

How can i properly declare an array of size that i get from a ctor?

EDIT:

The error that occurs is:

incompatible types in assignment of ‘std::string* {aka std::basic_string<char>*}’ to ‘std::string* [0]

And for the int arrays:

incompatible types in assignment of ‘int*’ to ‘int [0]’

"doesn't compile" is not enough. Also you should use std::vector — Karthik T
– Karthik T, Commented Jan 23, 2013 at 8:35
code below doesn't compile You could help us by giving the errors as well . — asheeshr
– asheeshr, Commented Jan 23, 2013 at 8:35
Use std::vector. Seriously. It would get rid of 80% of your code. — Kerrek SB
– Kerrek SB, Commented Jan 23, 2013 at 8:40
Do you want an array of integers or an array of an array of integers for A and B? — Mario
– Mario, Commented Jan 23, 2013 at 8:40

billz · Accepted Answer · 2013-01-23 08:59:48Z

3

They are not valid way of declaring static arrays in C++, array size needs to be known at compile time. Below code can't compile in standard C++ without some special extension.

std::string* A[];
int B[];
int C[];

If you are just playing with pointers that's fine. However, you'd better think of using std::vector

#include <vector>
std::vector<std::string> A;
std::vector<int> B;
std::vector<int> C;

I may rewrite your code to below:

class MyQuickInitArray
{
public:
    MyQuickInitArray(int size)
      : A(size),
        B(size),
        C(size),
        size_(size),
        counter_(0)
    {     
    }

    std::string operator[](int j) const 
    {
        return A.at(j);
    }

private:
    std::vector<std::string> A;
    std::vector<int> B;
    std::vector<int> C;
    int size_;
    int counter_;
};

edited Jan 23, 2013 at 8:59

answered Jan 23, 2013 at 8:37

billz

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6 Comments

Alok Save Over a year ago

-1: Why on earth would you advice std::string* A; that is plainly bad advice.

billz Over a year ago

@AlokSave I do ask in my answer that if he's practicing pointer or not. Also I suggest use vector for A,B,C

billz Over a year ago

@AlokSave I've removed anything relative to std::string* A; :)

qPCR4vir Over a year ago

+1: This is the right answer. But I'm curious – Wath happen if size<0? It get converted to size_t and we end with huge arrays (vectors) ?

billz Over a year ago

@qPCR4vir vector starts with size 0, concern is actually size < 0

|

qPCR4vir · Accepted Answer · 2013-01-23 10:18:32Z

I think you want to use std::vector<std::string> or std::vector<int> instead your array members. The whole code will be simpler.

But if you really want to use the arrays then you could try (Not that I recommended):

class MyQuickInitArray
{
public:
    MyQuickInitArray(int size):_size(0),_counter(0),A(nullptr),B(nullptr),C(nullptr)
    {
        if(size <= 0)
        {
            throw new std::exception;
        }

        _size = size;

        typedef std::string* pSTR;
        A = new pSTR[size];
        B = new int[size];
        C = new int[size];
    }

    std::string& operator[](int j) {
        if(j > _size)
        {
            throw std::out_of_range("out of range");
        }

        if(((B[j]<0) || (B[j]>=_counter)) || (C[B[j]]!=j))
        {
            // A[j] points to junk
            _counter++;
            A[j] = new std::string;
            B[j] = _counter-1;
            C[_counter-1] = j;
            return *A[j];
        }

        // the cell was instantiated before
        return *A[j];
    }

            ~MyQuickInitArray(){
               for(int j=0; j<_size; ++j)
                   if(((B[j]<0) || (B[j]>=_counter)) || (C[B[j]]!=j))
                      delete A[j];                       
               delete[]A; delete[]B; delete[]C;};
            }


private:
    std::string** A;
    int *B;
    int *C;
    int _size;
    int _counter;
};

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