C: Creating a given number of variables automatically

Question

Is it possible to create a C-function that creates automatically a given number of variables? How are variables named?

I don't think this is possible, it sound like a job for an array. — meskobalazs, Jul 31 '13 at 08:36
I suppose you could do something with a macro, and use another macro to reference the generated variables. Though the question, of course, is why and what!? — Joe, Jul 31 '13 at 08:38
No, but you can create an array dynamically of given number size and use `array[index]` as variable. — Grijesh Chauhan, Jul 31 '13 at 08:39

score 3 · Answer 1 · answered Jul 31 '13 at 08:35

3

Variables are an artifact of your source code. During runtime (which is when your function actually executes) there is only memory and registers. Maybe you want an array of a certain length?

answered Jul 31 '13 at 08:35

Joey

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Well, some symbols are usually exported... in hosted environments – dreamlax Jul 31 '13 at 08:37

score 2 · Accepted Answer · edited Jul 31 '13 at 08:39

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The solution is to use array. example:

//n is number of variables

int *var;

var=  malloc(sizeof(int) * n);

variables are named var[0], var[1]....var[n-1]

edited Jul 31 '13 at 08:39

Grijesh Chauhan

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answered Jul 31 '13 at 08:38

Suriya Chaudary

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In C, do NOT cast the return value from `malloc()`!! I mean it, don't make come over there and slap you around :-) – paxdiablo Jul 31 '13 at 08:41
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/605845/do-i-cast-the-result-of-malloc/605858#605858 – Grijesh Chauhan Jul 31 '13 at 08:43

score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Jul 31 '13 at 08:36

0

If by "variables" you mean "global variables outside the scope of the function", and by "create" you mean "declare and define", then NO.

answered Jul 31 '13 at 08:36

Bogdan Alexandru

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score 0 · Answer 4 · answered Jul 31 '13 at 08:47

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Do you mean like the register_globals 'feature' in PHP? Thank goodness, no.

answered Jul 31 '13 at 08:47

Pranav Negandhi

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C: Creating a given number of variables automatically

4 Answers4