Question

#include<stdio.h>
struct mystruct
{
    char cc;
    float abc;
};
union sample
{
    int a;
    float b;
    char c;
    double d;
    struct mystruct s1;
};
int main()
{
    union sample u1;
    int k;
    u1.s1.abc=5.5;
    u1.s1.cc='a';

    printf("\n%c %f\n",u1.s1.cc,u1.s1.abc);
    k=sizeof(union sample);
    printf("%d\n\n",k);
    return 0;
}

The size of operator is returning 8 I am still able to access the structure elements, more than one at a time and still the sizeof operator is returning the max size of primitive data types i assume. Why is this behavior? Is the size actually allocated is 8? and the sizeof is returning a wrong value? Or is the actual allocated size is 8? Then how is the structure accommodated?? If we allocate an array of unions using malloc and sizeof will it allocate enough space in such case? Please eloborate.

Answer 1

Typically, the size of the union is the size of its biggest member. The biggest member is [likely] your struct member as well as the double member. Both have size 8. So, as sizeof correctly told you, the size of the union is indeed 8.

Why do you find it strange? Why do you call 8 “wrong value”?