Question

Can I return an array that is created dynamically (using malloc) inside a function back to its caller?

I know that returning a statically allocated array is wrong because the stack unwinds as the function returns and variable is no longer valid but what about a dynamically allocated variable?

Answer 1

Returning anything allocated with malloc is fine, as long as whoever uses your function takes care of free()ing it when they’re done. malloc allocates on the heap which is essentially global within your program.