C Memory Management: When to Use `delete` vs. `delete[]`?

Understanding the Distinction Between "delete" and "delete[]"

In C , the operators "delete" and "delete[]" serve distinct purposes in memory management. While both deallocate memory, they differ in their usage.

delete: Removing Single Objects

The "delete" operator is used to delete a single, non-array object allocated with "new." Using "delete" on an array pointer results in undefined behavior, as the syntax mandates a non-array object pointer.

delete[]: Deallocating Arrays

In contrast, "delete[]" is specifically designed to deallocate an array of objects allocated with "new []." Attempting to use "delete[]" on a non-array pointer also leads to undefined behavior.

Why the Difference?

The distinction between "delete" and "delete[]" stems from the nature of arrays. Arrays occupy contiguous memory locations, while objects may not. "delete" is optimized for single object deletion, while "delete[]" handles the intricacies of array deallocation.

Never Use "delete" for Arrays?

While it's generally advised to use "delete[]" for arrays, there are rare cases where "delete" may be appropriate. For instance, if a pointer to an array sub-object (representing a base class) needs to be deleted, "delete" must be used as "delete[]" is undefined for sub-object deletion.

Conclusion

Understanding the precise roles of "delete" and "delete[]" is crucial for efficient and error-free memory management in C . By adhering to the guidelines outlined by the C standard, developers can avoid undefined behavior and ensure the proper handling of memory allocation and deallocation.

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