Memory deallocation of pointer variable in c++

Question

If I take a block of memory by the following line .

int* a = new int[10];

Then for freeing the memory , the code would be

delete [] a;

But if I take a pointer of single memory segment like the following

int* a = new int;

And then insert a array of data like following .

for(int i=0;i<10;i++)
 {
    a[i]= i ;
 }

So to free the first memory segment that pointer "a" is pointing, the code would be like following

delete a;

But Here I inserted 9 more data from the memory that pointer "a" is pointing .So I am using actually 10 memory segment here . how can I free all this 10 memory ? Please help me to get the answer .

But in codeblocks I am able to insert array of data starting from a single memory allocated . — hasibuzzaman chowdhury
– hasibuzzaman chowdhury, Commented Jul 17, 2017 at 20:15
@hasibuzzamanchowdhury No you're not, just because it looks like it works doesn't mean it's not undefined. — Hatted Rooster
– Hatted Rooster, Commented Jul 17, 2017 at 20:18
@hasibuzzamanchowdhury -- But in codeblocks I am able to insert array of data starting from a single memory allocated -- Think of it this way -- If your driver's license was revoked, does that mean you can't physically get into a car and drive it? Of course you can drive it, but you're not supposed to, as the "undefined behavior" could mean you can drive for hundreds of miles without issues, or drive 100 yards and a policeman stops you right there. — PaulMcKenzie
– PaulMcKenzie, Commented Jul 17, 2017 at 20:49
If there was just something like a minimal reproducible example and a link to some description How to Ask … — too honest for this site
– too honest for this site, Commented Jul 17, 2017 at 21:08

Hatted Rooster · Accepted Answer · 2017-07-17 20:10:37Z

5

how can I free all this 10 memory ?

You can't and you shouldn't because the moment you tried to "insert a array of data like following" you have entered Undefined Behavior land for writing to a location that you didn't allocate with new in the first place. You asked for a single int, you got a single int. Don't write past it.

answered Jul 17, 2017 at 20:10

Hatted Rooster

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Dmitriy Kalugin-Balashov · Accepted Answer · 2017-07-17 20:12:45Z

1

You allocated only one int. Memory from a[1] to a[9] may be assigned to other objects and you may corrupt them.

P.S. Btw you can not free memory that you did not allocate in any case.

answered Jul 17, 2017 at 20:12

Dmitriy Kalugin-Balashov

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3 Comments

hasibuzzaman chowdhury Over a year ago

So it seems , it's not a good idea to create array like this ?

user4581301 Over a year ago

@hasibuzzamanchowdhury Correct. Not a good idea. Use std::vector and if you are worried that you may run out of bounds use the at method rather than [].

Dmitriy Kalugin-Balashov Over a year ago

Absolutely. Allocate as much memory as you need and do not write to memory which is not allocated.

Pete Becker · Accepted Answer · 2017-07-17 20:24:06Z

0

new int allocates space for one int value. You cannot legally pretend that it's an array of ten int values, and the compiler won't generate code to expand the allocated memory if you go out of bounds. The code you wrote produces undefined behavior. The fact that it compiled and ran doesn't change that; sooner or later it will cause problems.

To allocate an array that can hold 10 int values, use your first expression: new int[10]. That will allocate space for ten int values.

To allocate an array that can be expanded at will, use std::vector<int>.

answered Jul 17, 2017 at 20:24

Pete Becker

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1 Comment

hasibuzzaman chowdhury Over a year ago

I got my answer , Thank you very much

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