What is dynamic memory allocation in C?
a) Allocating memory during runtime
b) Allocating memory during compile time
c) Allocating memory for constants
d) Allocating memory for static variables
Answer:
a) Allocating memory during runtime
Explanation:
Dynamic memory allocation in C refers to allocating memory during runtime, as opposed to compile time. This is accomplished using functions like malloc(), calloc(), realloc(), and free() from the C standard library. Dynamic memory allocation allows programs to request memory as needed, enabling more flexible and efficient use of memory, especially in situations where the amount of data is not known beforehand.
Mastering dynamic memory allocation is crucial for developing programs that manage memory effectively, especially in environments with limited resources or when handling large data sets that cannot be predetermined.