The C realloc function is conventionally used to

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks about the conventional use of the C realloc function, so we examine each option in turn to see what realloc is designed to do.
Option 1: 'allocate memory for a single object.' While memory can be allocated for a single object using malloc or calloc, realloc is not used for this purpose. Allocating a new single object is typically done with malloc, not realloc, unless you are resizing an existing allocation that held a single object.
Option 2: 'allocate memory for an array of objects.' This describes the role of malloc or calloc when creating a new array in the first place. realloc does not allocate fresh memory for a new array from scratch; it resizes an already allocated block. So this option misstates realloc's primary purpose.
Option 3: 'change the size of an array previously allocated.' This accurately captures realloc's purpose: it takes a pointer to a previously allocated block and a new size, and attempts to resize that block, preserving as much of the existing contents as possible. It is the canonical use when you need to grow or shrink an allocation.
Option 4: 'change the contents of an object previously allocated.' Realloc does not directly change the contents of the memory block; it changes the size of the block. While data within the block may be moved during resizing, the function’s intent is not to modify contents, but to adjust the allocation size. This makes the option imprecise and misleading.
In summary, option 3 correctly describes realloc’s conventional purpose, while the other options describe related memory management tasks that are covered by malloc/free/realloc in different contexts but are not the primary function of realloc itself.

The C realloc function is conventionally used to

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The C realloc function is conventionally used to

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

Consider the function call: p = (data_t *)malloc((num - 1) * sizeof(data_t)) The intention of this function call is best described as:

Which header file must be included to use dynamic memory allocation functions like malloc and free?

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