Array length
Array length is the number of elements an array contains or is declared to contain.
Modern C
An array length parameter is a function parameter that conveys the number of elements expected in an array argument.
- How it is used
- Clarifies the expected extent of array arguments in pointer-based and multidimensional function interfaces.
- How deep it goes
- Descends from interface syntax to pointer limitations, sizeof calculation, multidimensional rewriting, and programmer-enforced validity.
- Examples
- Uses summation functions, subarray calls, array-notation prototypes, array copying, and matrix multiplication.
- What you can do after
- Apply it via C function interfaces that pass lengths explicitly and express multidimensional bounds clearly.
Modern C, Third Edition
Array length is the number of elements contained in an array object.
- How it is used
- Computes array-object length and preserves that length when arrays are processed through pointer-based interfaces.
- How deep it goes
- Explains sizeof-based calculation, VLA classification, and pointer-interface limits, but does not develop deeper array representation mechanics.
- Examples
- Uses inferred-bound initializers, sizeof division, pointer-based summation, and subarray calls carrying explicit lengths.
- What you can do after
- Apply it via sizeof for array objects and pass explicit lengths when processing arrays through pointers.
Related concepts
- array typepart of · An array type is a type specification for an ordered collection whose elements share a specified type and may have a specified length.
- referencecontrasts with · A reference is an indirect value or relationship that identifies or provides access to another value, object, resource, or source.
- sizeof operatormeasured by · The sizeof operator is a C and C++ unary operator that yields the size of a type or expression in bytes.
- arrayconfigured by · An array is an indexed, ordered collection of elements arranged in one or more dimensions, with elements accessed by position.
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