Return a char array with any length in C?

Question

How do I return a char array with any length in C?

char string[](int, int);

doesn't work; is there a way to return a char array?

score 0 · Accepted Answer · answered Oct 24 '21 at 18:30

0

You are unable to do that in C. Instead, return a pointer.

char *string(int length, int unused) {
  char *s = calloc(x, sizeof(char));
  return s;
}

answered Oct 24 '21 at 18:30

Bill Lynch

How can I use this pointer? – jonasPamm Oct 24 '21 at 18:33
1

Calling `calloc()` without clearing the allocated memory with `free()` will lead to memory leakage. – Alaa Mahran Oct 24 '21 at 18:37
1

@jonasPamm You use this pointer just like you would use a normal string allocated on the stack: `char *str = string(10, 0); strncpy(str, "hello", 10); str[9] = 0;` – Marco Oct 24 '21 at 20:20

1 Answers1