calloc function(Allocate and Clear Memory Block) in C Language - example and detail

In the C Programming Language, the calloc characteristic allocates a block of reminiscence for an array.

Syntax

The syntax for the calloc characteristic in the C Language is:

void *calloc(size_t num_members, size_t size);

Parameters or Arguments

num_members The number of factors in the array. size The measurement of the elements in bytes.

Note The block of reminiscence is cleared through putting all bits to zero.

Returns

The calloc feature returns a pointer to the beginning of the block of memory. If the block of reminiscence can no longer be allocated, the calloc characteristic will return a null pointer.

Required Header

In the C Language, the required header for the calloc function is:

#include <stdlib.h>

Applies To

In the C Language, the calloc characteristic can be used in the following versions:

ANSI/ISO 9899-1990

calloc Example

Let’s appear at an example to see how you would use the calloc function in a C program:

/* Example using calloc by TechOnTheNet.com */

/* The size of memory allocated MUST be larger than the data you will put in it */
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
#include <string.h>

int main(int argc, const char * argv[])
{
    /* Define required variables */
    char *ptr;
    size_t length;

    /* Define the amount of memory required */
    length = 50;

    /* Allocate and zero memory for our string */
    ptr = (char *)calloc(length, sizeof(char));

    /* Check to see if we were successful */
    if (ptr == NULL)
    {
        /* We were not so display a message */
        printf("Could not allocate required memory\n");

        /* And exit */
        exit(1);
    }

    /* Copy a string into the allocated memory */
    strcpy(ptr, "C calloc at TechOnTheNet.com");

    /* Display the contents of memory */
    printf("%s\n", ptr);

    /* Free the memory we allocated */
    free(ptr);

    return 0;
}

When compiled and run, this software will output:

C calloc at TechOnTheNet.com

Similar Functions

Other C features that are comparable to the calloc function:

free function malloc characteristic realloc characteristic

calloc function(Allocate and Clear Memory Block) in C Language – example and detail