Question

How is it possible to pass an array parameter to a function, and calculate the size of the array parameter? Because every time i try to calculate it, the return value is always 4.

Thanks the fast replies. I’m going to pass the size of the array as well then. Or i give a shot to vectors. Thanks

Answer 1

This is (one of) the difference between arrays and pointers. Taking the size of an array results in its size in bytes, whereas taking the size of a pointer yields the size of pointers on that system. However, whenever you pass an array to a function, it decays to a pointer, the size of which is always the same no matter what type of pointer it is (4 on a 32 bit machine).

So technically, it’s impossible to pass an array into a function since whenever you try, it becomes a pointer.

You’ll need to pass the size of the array in to the function as well, or better yet if you can, use std::vector or std::array, or std::string if you’re using the array as a C-style string.