Delete vs. Delete[] in C : When Should I Use Which?

Understanding the Distinction Between delete and delete[] in C

In C , memory management plays a crucial role in ensuring program efficiency and preventing resource leaks. Two operators, delete and delete[], are specifically designed for deallocating memory allocated dynamically using the new operator.

Delete vs. Delete[]: A Closer Look

The delete operator is used to deallocate the memory occupied by a single object created with new. It also invokes the object's destructor, which cleans up any resources associated with the object before deallocating its memory.

On the other hand, the delete[] operator is reserved for deallocating memory assigned to an array of objects using new []. This operator also calls the destructors of individual objects within the array prior to freeing the memory.

When to Use Delete vs. Delete[]

It is crucial to use the appropriate operator based on the type of memory allocation. Using delete on a pointer returned by new [] or vice versa will result in undefined behavior. This is because the delete[] operator is responsible for iteratively destroying each element in the array while delete is designed for deallocating a single object.

Misusing these operators can lead to runtime errors or memory corruption, compromising the program's stability and correctness. Therefore, understanding the difference between delete and delete[] is essential for efficient memory management in C applications.

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