Adding multiple values to array

Question

I needed an array to hold 4 values defined within a function fn1, so I created an array: int somearray[4]; in main() . Although I understand that values might be entered into an array individually by number: somearray[1]=3;, my numbers are in variables n1, n2, n3, n4.

Is there a method to accomplish this?

I have considered the possibility of creating an array within the function, then transferring individual values into somearray[].

I'm evidently quite new to C, and the thought of returning the array also came to mind. I'm quite sure it's not right, but it would help to have some confirmation anyway.

Thanks in advance.

To Makoto:

main(){
int sumarray[4];
int n1,n2,n3,n4;

int fn1(){
n1=1;
n2=23;
n3=29;
n4=14;

sumarray[]={n1,n2,n3,n4}

return 0;
}

return 0;
}

well.. at least that's what I was attempting to do anyway

Can you show some of your code? It's a bit unclear what your intention is. — Makoto
– Makoto, Commented Jun 5, 2012 at 23:37

Kristopher Micinski · Accepted Answer · 2012-06-05 23:40:27Z

1

You can do something like:

char somearray[] = {n1, n2, n3, n4};

If you write an auxiliary function, allocate the array on the stack (i.e., put the array in a local variable), then you can't return it. This is because it's on the stack, and will basically get overwritten in the future. For example, you wouldn't say:

int *f() { 
    unsigned a[] = {n1, n2, n3, n4};
}

Instead, you use malloc, which allocates memory on the heap. So, by contrast, you can say,

int *f() {
    unsigned *a = malloc(sizeof(int)*4);
    ...
    return a;
}

answered Jun 5, 2012 at 23:40

Kristopher Micinski

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Comments

Jon Tan · Accepted Answer · 2012-06-06 01:35:08Z

1

Okay the mistake was trying to define the array within the function when i could have defined the array outside after fn1 was run. Thanks guys.

answered Jun 6, 2012 at 1:35

Jon Tan

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