How can I make the element of array empty?

Question

I am making a program in which I will have to make an element of an array empty as new.

int Heap[5];
//Heap[4]=Null/Empty/0

I don't want to remove element using stack because it doesn't actually remove an element. Plz tell me what is the correct Method for achieving this.

Define an value that represent "empty" and assign that value. — MikeCAT, Jun 23 '21 at 18:59
C++ doesn't have 'empty' objects. *"as new"* When new, it's uninitialized (i.e. with random values). Not empty. — HolyBlackCat, Jun 23 '21 at 19:02

score 0 · Answer 1 · answered Jun 23 '21 at 19:04

C++ arrays does not have any empty elements. All elements has a value.

One approach is to use a sentinel value. Simply pick a value that fits in an int and use that to denote empty.

I'm more familiar with C than C++, but on the other hand, you seem to code things that are pretty close to C. So another approach is this:

struct Element {
    int value;
    bool isnull;
}

Element Heap[5];

To delete an element, simply do:

Heap[index].isnull = true;

Another approach that involves pointers:

int values[5];

int *Heap[5];

// Assign a value
values[index] = 42;
Heap[index] = &values[index];

// Delete a value
Heap[index] = NULL;

1 Answers1