C++ how to pass an uninitialized pointer to a function

Question

// I need to download data from the (json-format) file net_f:
std::ifstream net_f("filename", std::ios::in | std::ios::binary);
// to a square int array *net of size n:
int n;
int * net;
load_net(net_f, &n, net);

// The size is initially unknown, so I want to do it in the procedure:
void load_net(std::ifstream& f, int *n, int *net)
{
    int size; // # of rows (or columns, it's square) in the array
    int net_size; // the array size in bytes
    /*
        some code here to process data from file
    */
    // Returning values:
    *n = size;
    // Only now I am able to allocate memory:
    *net = (int *)malloc(net_size);
    /*
        and do more code to set values
    */
}

Now: the compiler warns me that 'variable "net" is used before its value is set'. Indeed, it is, since I don't have enough information. It also pops-up during the runtime, and I just ignore it. How should I rework my code to make it more elegant? (BTW it has to be an array, not a vector; I'm copying it then to a CUDA device).

What is this supposed to mean: *net = (int *)malloc(net_size); given that the RHS expression is cast to int* and the LHS expression is int? — juanchopanza
– juanchopanza, Commented Feb 24, 2015 at 7:56

Jonathon Reinhart · Accepted Answer · 2015-02-24 07:57:11Z

4

Since you're trying to modify net in the called function, you need to pass net by reference (since you're using C++). Also, this would be preferred for n as well:

void load_net(std::ifstream& f, int &n, int *&net)
{
    // ...

    /* Set output args */
    n = size;
    net = (int*)malloc(net_size);
}

The C way would be to pass a double pointer (and not cast the result of malloc!):

void load_net(FILE* f, int *n, int **net)
{
    // ...

    /* Set output args */
    *n = size;
    *net = malloc(net_size);
}

You seem to be writing a mix of C and C++ code. Don't do this. Pick one, and use its features as they're intended.

edited Feb 24, 2015 at 7:57

answered Feb 24, 2015 at 7:51

Jonathon Reinhart

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5 Comments

juanchopanza Over a year ago

OP is actually trying to modify the thing pointed at by net (and n too). And since it hasn't been initialized...

Jonathon Reinhart Over a year ago

@juanchopanza That's what his code is doing, but I'm fairly confident that's not what he intends. It doesn't make sense any other way.

Jonathon Reinhart Over a year ago

@juanchopanza Look at his code. He's mallocing a buffer, and trying to assign it to net, which is an int* in the calling function. Clearly he wants to assign that buffer to that pointer, he just isn't using enough indirection.

tomekd Over a year ago

@JonathonReinhart, you get it right. I'm coding by use of ready examples, and clearly I need to think it over yet.

tomekd Over a year ago

@JonathonReinhart, thank you for help. This was exactly what I needed. Now the code is running perfectly well. :) Credits go to you!

user1627167 · Accepted Answer · 2015-02-24 08:29:56Z

0

you can use double pointer in function argument and pass pointer address in function

// I need to download data from the (json-format) file net_f:
std::ifstream net_f("filename", std::ios::in | std::ios::binary);
// to a square int array *net of size n:
int n;
int *net;
load_net(net_f, &n, &net);

// The size is initially unknown, so I want to do it in the procedure:
void load_net(std::ifstream& f, int *n, int **net)
{
    int size; // # of rows (or columns, it's square) in the array
    int net_size; // the array size in bytes
    /*
        some code here to process data from file
    */
    // Returning values:
    *n = size;
    // Only now I am able to allocate memory:
    **net = (int *)malloc(net_size);
    /*
        and do more code to set values
    */
}

edited Feb 24, 2015 at 8:29

answered Feb 24, 2015 at 7:50

user1627167

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