Unit 2b – Dynamic Memory Allocation

Primary reason:

If we want to allocate memory in a function and have it STAY ALIVE even AFTER that function ends

Secondary reason:

If we don't know how much memory we'll need until run-time

How do you allocate and free memory?

int *p = new int; // one int

int *arr = new int[n]; // array

delete p; // free one

delete[] arr; // free array

Where in the memory?

Lives in the Heap

New operator:

Allocates memory from the heap

double *dptr = new double;

int *scores = new int[n];

Delete:

Returns memory to heap

delete dptr;

delete [] scores;