Compilation error for defining static array with pointers

Question

When I define an array like

double *first = (double *)malloc( N*N*sizeof( double ) );

There is not problem. But when I specify

static double *first = (double *)malloc( N*N*sizeof( double ) );

I get this error

error: initializer element is not constant
   10 |     static double *first = (double *)malloc( N*N*sizeof( double ) );
      |                            ^

How can I fix that?

Does this answer your question? Initializer element is not a constant — kaylum
– kaylum, Commented Mar 6, 2022 at 11:28

Vlad from Moscow · Accepted Answer · 2022-03-06 11:32:24Z

3

You may initialize objects with static storage duration with constant expressions. And an expression with a call of malloc is not a constant expression.

So you need for example initialize the pointer as a null pointer like for example

static double *first = NULL;

and then call the function malloc in a function

if ( first == NULL ) first = (double *)malloc( N*N*sizeof( double ) );

answered Mar 6, 2022 at 11:32

Vlad from Moscow

313k27 gold badges204 silver badges358 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Compilation error for defining static array with pointers

1 Answer 1

Comments

Your Answer

Linked

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Linked

Related