Delete vs. Delete[]: When Should You Use Each?

delete vs delete[]: A Deeper Dive

The question of whether delete and delete[] are equivalent has long been a topic of debate. In C , it is crucial to understand the proper usage of these operators to avoid undefined behavior.

According to the C standard (5.3.5/2), delete is intended for non-array objects, while delete[] is reserved for arrays. Using delete[] on a single object leads to undefined behavior. Therefore, it is incorrect to assume they are equivalent.

The standard explicitly states that "If [the operand of delete] is not [a pointer to a non-array object], the behavior is undefined." Similarly, "If [the operand of delete[]] is not the pointer value which resulted from a previous array new-expression, the behavior is undefined."

In conclusion, delete and delete[] are distinct operators with specific purposes. Using them interchangeably can result in unpredictable outcomes and program crashes. It is essential to adhere to the standard guidelines to ensure proper memory management and maintain program stability.

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