CString::Empty()

[gReaen]

I need to write my version of code similar to CString::Empty() function for char*. Is it enough if i just free the memory of the string to implement the function. How do i empty the string otherwise? Thanks in advance

[John R Shaw]

If you are talking C or working directly with C style string in C++, then you do not need a function.

char* pData = (char*)malloc(size of data required); // C-code
if( pData ) // Same as: if( pData != NULL )
// Do something with data block
free(pData); // Release memory
pData = NULL; // Only needed if some other piece of code needs to use it
// Some where else in you code
if( pData )
// Do something with the data block
else
// Invalid pointer

You do not really need a function, unless you are designing your own sting class. Good Luck!

INTP "Program testing can be used to show the presence of bugs, but never to show their absence."Edsger Dijkstra

[Bram van Kampen]

gReaen wrote:

Is it enough if i just free the memory of the string to implement the function. How do i empty the string otherwise?

Yes and No! After you free it you must NEVER again refer to that section of memory. The way I usually do it is: char* p=(char*)malloc(size);...... free(p); p=NULL; At least you get a definite runtime error if you try to do something with p after freeing, instead of an obscure runtime bug.

Bram van Kampen

[CPallini]

Actually if you designed your string as a class then you don't even need to free memory, you can just mark the string as empty: this way avoiding memory deallocation/rellaocation if there is chance the string will be used again. :)

If the Lord God Almighty had consulted me before embarking upon the Creation, I would have recommended something simpler. -- Alfonso the Wise, 13th Century King of Castile.
[my articles]