variable length array of fixed length arrays in C

Question

I have a function that accepts a variable length array of 80 character strings. I defined the function like so:

void foo (char namelist[][80] ...

in main() I do the following:

char **names = (char **)malloc(numNames * 80);
foo(names);

The type of names here is not correct. What is the appropriate way to type it as a variable length array of fixed length arrays?

You should not cast the return value of malloc in C. – Oct 11 '11 at 19:01 — , Oct 11 '11 at 19:01

score 4 · Accepted Answer · edited May 23 '17 at 10:34

4

names should be declared as:

char (*names)[80];

This declares names as a pointer to an array of 80 chars.

By the way, there's no need to cast the return value of malloc in C and many people consider it bad practice. See: 1, 2.

edited May 23 '17 at 10:34

Community

answered Oct 11 '11 at 18:59

interjay

This is correct. Though I think the advantages of casting malloc outweigh the disadvantages. To cast here: `(char (*)[])` – dschatz Oct 11 '11 at 19:05

1 Answers1