Static Multi Dimensional Arrays ( C/C++)

Question

Is memory allocated for multidimensional arrays in C or C++ always contiguous, or is the storage dependent on the compiler? If it is guaranteed to be contiguous is there a standard on it somewhere for reference? For example

int x[2][2] = { { 1 , 2 } , { 5 , 10 } } ;

Are the integers 1, 2, 5, 10 in sequence in memory ?

The "multidimensional array" is really a single-dimension array whose elements are themselves arrays. An array is guaranteed to have no padding and to have its elements in order of their index. — M.M
– M.M, Commented Apr 17, 2015 at 3:33

Barry · Accepted Answer · 2015-04-17 02:27:45Z

3

Arrays are guaranteed contiguous. What we have here is an array of arrays - each layer of which is contiguous. The inner most arrays we know must be {1, 2} and {5, 10}, and the outer most array must also be contiguous. Therefore, {{1,2},{5,10}} must be 1, 2, 5, 10 sequentially in memory.

answered Apr 17, 2015 at 2:27

Barry

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Karthick · Accepted Answer · 2015-04-17 03:25:58Z

0

Yes. Arrays are always allocated in contiguous memory location. It doesn't matter whether its a single or multi dimensional array.

answered Apr 17, 2015 at 3:25

Karthick

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