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Here are a few title options, capturing the key differences between `char[]` and `char*` in C: Direct & Concise

Linda Hamilton
Linda HamiltonOriginal
2024-10-28 04:15:30449browse

Here are a few title options, capturing the key differences between `char[]` and `char*` in C:

Direct & Concise

Distinguishing char* from char[]: An In-Depth Explanation

Understanding the differences between character arrays (char[]) and character pointers (char*) is fundamental in C programming.

char str[] = "Test"; represents an array of characters named 'str' that stores a copy of the string literal "Test". Each element in the array is a character. Modifying 'str' changes the array's contents.

On the other hand, char *str = "Test"; initializes 'str' as a pointer that references the memory location where the constant string literal "Test" resides. The pointer can point to other strings or characters, but not modify the referenced string.

Key Differences:

1. Ownership of Contents:

  • char[]: The array owns and stores a copy of the characters initialized or assigned to it.
  • char*: The pointer references the memory location containing the characters, which in this case is a constant string literal.

2. Size:

  • char[]: The array has a fixed size, determined by the number of characters it contains.
  • char*: The pointer's size stays the same, regardless of the size of the string it points to.

3. Modifiability:

  • char[]: Elements can be modified, allowing the array to represent different character sequences.
  • char*: The referenced string literal cannot be modified. However, the pointer can be reassigned to point to a different string.

4. Initialization:

  • char[]: Array elements can be initialized with characters or string literals, e.g., char str[] = {'T', 'e', 's', 't', '

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