How to initialize a unsigned char array?

Question

What I am really trying to achieve is an array of dynamic byte patterns that I can use as a pattern searcher when I buffer binary files. But I am starting off basic for now. I have the following code that I based off of an example found on StackOverflow.

How to Initialize a Multidimensional Char Array in C?

typedef unsigned char BYTE;

int main()
{
    BYTE *p[2][4] = {
        {0x44,0x58,0x54,0x31},
        {0x44,0x58,0x54,0x00}
    };

    return 0;
}

I compile it with mingw32 for Windows.

D:\> gcc example.c -o example.exe

I get the following warnings when I try to compile.

example.c: In function 'main':
example.c:6:3: warning: initialization makes pointer from integer without a cast [enabled by default]
example.c:6:3: warning: (near initialization for 'p[0][0]') [enabled by default]
example.c:6:3: warning: initialization makes pointer from integer without a cast [enabled by default]
example.c:6:3: warning: (near initialization for 'p[0][1]') [enabled by default]
example.c:6:3: warning: initialization makes pointer from integer without a cast [enabled by default]
example.c:6:3: warning: (near initialization for 'p[0][2]') [enabled by default]
example.c:6:3: warning: initialization makes pointer from integer without a cast [enabled by default]
example.c:6:3: warning: (near initialization for 'p[0][3]') [enabled by default]
example.c:7:3: warning: initialization makes pointer from integer without a cast [enabled by default]
example.c:7:3: warning: (near initialization for 'p[1][0]') [enabled by default]
example.c:7:3: warning: initialization makes pointer from integer without a cast [enabled by default]
example.c:7:3: warning: (near initialization for 'p[1][1]') [enabled by default]
example.c:7:3: warning: initialization makes pointer from integer without a cast [enabled by default]
example.c:7:3: warning: (near initialization for 'p[1][2]') [enabled by default]

I don't understand the nature of this warning. How do I go about resolving it? Thanks.

cnicutar · Accepted Answer · 2012-02-19 18:47:53Z

6

Drop the * from BYTE *p[2][4]:

BYTE p[2][4] = {
    {0x44,0x58,0x54,0x31},
    {0x44,0x58,0x54,0x00}
};

You want a multidimensional array of char: BYTE p[2][4] not a multidimensional array of pointer-to-char.

answered Feb 19, 2012 at 18:47

cnicutar

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3 Comments

redsolar Over a year ago

Wow. That was such an easy fix. I'm curious. Why do you drop the pointer when the example I linked used a pointer for something that looks very similar to what I am looking for?

cnicutar Over a year ago

@redsolar In that code the inner-most element is itself an array ("00").

redsolar Over a year ago

Oh. I see now. Thank you for clearing that up and thank you for your answer. Much appreciated.

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