Array of pointers vs Multidimensional Array [duplicate]

Question

What the benefits and disadvantage of using an array of pointers vs a multidimensional array and vica verse in C or C++. They both seem the same to me. For example, take the following

char *people[] = {"Alex", "Tom", "Peter"};

Versus

char people[][9] = {"Alex", "Tom", "Peter"};

"visa verse" is the 4-line part of a banker's poem about credit cards. The word you're looking for is "vice versa". — The Paramagnetic Croissant
– The Paramagnetic Croissant, Commented Apr 21, 2014 at 4:39

justomat · Accepted Answer · 2014-04-21 05:09:01Z

5

multidimensional arrays are easier to work with, whereas pointer arrays sometimes result in a faster program.

multidimensional arrays cant be modified, pointer arrays can simply be changed to point elsewhere anytime.

POINTER ARRAYS: MULTIDIMENSIONAL ARRAYS multi-d arrays

Not to mention those unused memory space, such a waste.

answered Apr 21, 2014 at 5:09

justomat

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2 Comments

justomat Over a year ago

I dont have any photoshop or anything, so paint will do.

radrow Over a year ago

It is worth noting that it is definitely not a rule that pointer arrays are faster. Sure, they are less wasteful memory-wise, however if you consider the magic of CPU caching, and if your code is more query-heavy than creation-heavy, I would expect multidimensional arrays to totally outspeed pointer arrays.

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