Array parameter
An array parameter is a C function parameter declared with array syntax that is adjusted to a pointer to its element type.
Modern C, Third Edition
An array parameter is a function parameter declared with array notation whose array-bound information is adjusted or lost when used in a function definition or call.
- How it is used
- Uses array notation to specify function interfaces that operate directly on caller-provided arrays.
- How deep it goes
- Explains pointer rewriting and multidimensional bounds, but defers the underlying mechanism until pointers are introduced.
- Examples
- Demonstrates element swapping, array copying, matrix multiplication, equivalent pointer declarations, and incompatible pointer-to-pointer matrices.
- What you can do after
- Apply it via C function interfaces that access one-dimensional or multidimensional arrays without expecting array-value copying.
Modern C
An array parameter is a function parameter declared with array syntax whose array type is adjusted for parameter passing and whose argument is passed as a pointer to the array's first element.
- How it is used
- Explains how functions receive arrays while preserving readable indexing and direct access to caller-owned elements.
- How deep it goes
- Defines pointer rewriting, lost innermost dimensions, and multidimensional equivalence, but defers broader pointer mechanics.
- Examples
- Uses an element-swapping function, string-function pointer declarations, array copying, and matrix multiplication.
- What you can do after
- Apply it by declaring array-shaped interfaces, choosing equivalent pointer notation, and handling multidimensional parameters correctly.
Related concepts
- referenceequivalent to · A reference is an indirect value or relationship that identifies or provides access to another value, object, resource, or source.
- sizeof operatorcontrasts with · The sizeof operator is a C and C++ unary operator that yields the size of a type or expression in bytes.
- call by valuecontrasts with · Call by value is a parameter-passing semantics in which a called operation receives its own copy of an argument’s value.
- functionpart of · A function is a callable program unit that performs an operation, may accept inputs, and can produce a result or side effect.
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