calling function by value in C - c

I am new to C language somehow and I am trying here to call a function "func" in main function but it gives me compiling error. I tried to search for examples similar to this situation in Google but stil getting errors.
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdint.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
struct str {
int value;
uint32_t ptr_next;
};
void func(int arg, char* arr[]);
int main() {
int Arg;
char* Arr[1];
func(Arg, *Arr[1]);
return 0;
}
void func(int arg, char* arr[]) {
int list;
struct str r;
FILE* file = fopen(arr[1], "rb");
do {
list = fread(&r, sizeof(struct str), 1, file);
if (list > 0)
printf("%d ", r.value);
fseek(file, r.ptr_next, 0);
}
while ((r.ptr_next != 0) && (list > 0));
}
The question is how can I call functions by value in C language?

C only supports calling functions by value, calling by reference was added in C++ and uses the & symbol.
The value you are passing to the function is a location in memory, a pointer. If you want to hand to the function a copy of the data at that memory location you'll need to make a copy for it.
// Assuming that Arg and Arr are initialized.
char* Arr2[]; // Make a storage place for the char**.
Arr2 = malloc(Arg*sizeof(char*)); // Make the right number of char*s in it
for(int e=0; e<Arg; e++) { // For each elem in the main array:
Arr2[e]=malloc(sizeof(char)*strlen(Arr[e])); // Make space for the chars,
strcpy(Arr2[e],Arr[e]); // And copy them.
}
Side note
You haven't initialized Arg or Arr in main. I suspect that you might have meant the command line parameters.
int main(int Arg, char* Arr[])

Related

C array of struct issues

#include <stdlib.h>
#include <stdio.h>
#include <string.h>
struct individual {
char name[32];
int stats[7];
char role;
};
void create_array(struct individual **array){
*array = malloc(sizeof(struct individual)); //allocate initial memory space
}
void resize_array(struct individual **array, unsigned char num) {
printf("%d\n", *array);
*array = realloc(*array, num * sizeof(struct individual));
printf("%d\n", *array);
printf("resize success\n");
}
void problem(struct individual **f_array, unsigned char *f_num) {
*f_num = 2;
printf("%d\n", *f_array);
resize_array(f_array, *f_num);
printf("%d\n", *f_array);
strcpy(f_array[*f_num - 1]->name, "test value"); //CRASH LINE
}
int main() {
unsigned char f_num = 0;
struct individual *f_array;
create_array(&f_array);
problem(&f_array, &f_num);
}
This code crashes on the line marked "CRASH LINE". While it is not shown here, doing this same code setting (*f_num = 1) does not result in an error. While passing *f_array as itself (with appropriate alterations to the code in problem) does not result in an error, the values given after problem is exited result in nonsense being given, as the pointer reverts to it's pre-resize state. Any help appreciated.
The problem is the line accessing that value.
The line should read like this:
strcpy((*f_array)[*f_num - 1].name, "test value"); // doesn't crash any more :)
To break it down a little bit:
f_array is a pointer to the array of structs, need to dereference it before indexing
[*f_num - 1] accesses element 1 of the array.

What am I doing wrong in passing a struct around in C?

So I am working on a project in C that requires that I pass pointers to a struct into functions. The project is structured as follows:
struct structName {
unsigned short thing2;
char thing1[];
};
void function_1(struct structName *s) {
strcpy(s->thing1, "Hello");
printf("Function 1\n%s\n\n", s->thing1); // prints correctly
}
void function_2(struct structName *s) {
// can read thing2's value correctly
// thing1 comes out as a series of arbitrary characters
// I'm guessing it's an address being cast to a string or something?
printf("Function 2\n%s\n\n", s->thing1); // prints arbitrary characters ('É·/¨')
}
int main() {
struct structName s;
function_1(&s);
printf("Main\n%s\n\n", s.thing1);
function_2(&s);
printf("Main 2\n%s\n\n", s.thing1);
}
This code outputs the following:
Function 1
Hello
Main
Hello
Function 2
É·/¨
Main 2
É·/¨
Obviously, the program has more than just what I've written here; this is just a simplified version; so if there's anything I should check that might be causing this let me know. In all honesty I reckon it's probably just a stupid rookie error I'm making somewhere.
[EDIT: Seems like s.thing1 is being mutated in some way in the call to function_2(), since the odd value is replicated in main() - I should point out that in my program the printf()s are located right before the function call and in the first line of the function, so there's no chance that it's being written to by anything I'm doing. I've updated the example code above to show this.]
Thanks in advance!
The structure contains a flexible member at its end, if you declare a static object with this type, the length of this member will be zero, so strcpy(s->thing1, "Hello"); will have undefined behavior.
You are supposed to allocate instances of this type of structure with enough extra space to handle whatever data you wish to store into the flexible array.
Here is an example:
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
#include <string.h>
typedef struct pstring {
size_t length;
char data[];
} pstring;
pstring *allocate_pstring(const char *s) {
size_t length = strlen(s);
pstring *p = malloc(sizeof(*p) + length + 1);
if (p != NULL) {
p->length = length;
strcpy(p->data, s);
}
return p;
}
void free_pstring(pstring *p) {
free(p);
}
int main() {
pstring *p = allocate_pstring("Hello");
printf("Main\n%.*s\n\n", (int)p->length, p->data);
free_pstring(p);
return 0;
}

Pointers to structures, fields changing values inexplicably

I'm fully prepared to be told that I'm doing something stupid/wrong; this is what I expect.
I'm getting a feel for structures and coming a cropper when it comes to accessing the fields from the pointers. Code to follow.
matrix.h:
#ifndef MATRIX_H_INCLUDED
#define MATRIX_H_INCLUDED
#include <stdlib.h>
typedef struct
{
size_t size;
int* vector;
} vector_t;
#endif // MATRIX_H_INCLUDED
main.c:
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
#include "matrix.h"
vector_t* vector_new(size_t size)
{
int vector[size];
vector_t v;
v.size = size;
v.vector = vector;
return &v;
}
int main(int argc, char* argv[])
{
vector_t* vec = vector_new(3);
printf("v has size %d.\n", vec->size);
printf("v has size %d.\n", vec->size);
return EXIT_SUCCESS;
}
So this is a very simple program where I create a vector structure of size 3, return the pointer to the structure and then print its size. This, on the first print instance is 3 which then changes to 2686668 on the next print. What is going on?
Thanks in advance.
You are returning a pointer to a local variable v from vector_new. This does not have a slightest chance to work. By the time vector_new returns to main, all local variables are destroyed and your pointer points to nowhere. Moreover, the memory v.vector points to is also a local array vector. It is also destroyed when vector_new returns.
This is why you see garbage printed by your printf.
Your code has to be completely redesigned with regard to memory management. The actual array has to be allocated dynamically, using malloc. The vector_t object itself might be allocated dynamically or might be declared as a local variable in main and passed to vector_new for initialization. (Which approach you want to follow is up to you).
For example, if we decide to do everything using dynamic allocation, then it might look as follows
vector_t* vector_new(size_t size)
{
vector_t* v = malloc(sizeof *v);
v->size = size;
v->vector = malloc(v->size * sizeof *v->vector);
return v;
}
(and don't forget to check that malloc succeeded).
However, everything that we allocated dynamically we have to deallocate later using free. So, you will have to write a vector_free function for that purpose.
Complete re-write of answer to address your question, and to provide alternate approach:
The code as written in OP will not compile: &v is an illegal return value.
If I modify your code as such:
#include <stdlib.h>
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
typedef struct
{
size_t size;
int* vector;
} vector_t;
vector_t* vector_new(size_t size)
{
int vector[size];
vector_t v, *pV;
pV = &v;
pV->size = size;
pV->vector = vector;
return pV;
}
int main(int argc, char* argv[])
{
vector_t* vec = vector_new(3);
printf("v has size %d.\n", vec->size);
printf("v has size %d.\n", vec->size);
getchar();
return EXIT_SUCCESS;
}
It builds and runs, but returns unintended values for vec->size in main() due to the local scope of that variable in the function vector_new.
Recommend creating globally visible instance of your struct, and redefine vector_new() to int initVector(void):
#include <stdlib.h>
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
#define SIZE 10
typedef struct
{
size_t size;
int* vector;
} vector_t;
vector_t v, *pV;//globally visible instance of struct
int initVector(void)
{
int i;
pV->size = SIZE;
pV->vector = calloc(SIZE, sizeof(int));
if(!pV->vector) return -1;
for(i=0;i<SIZE;i++)
{
pV->vector[i] = i;
}
return 0;
}
int main(int argc, char* argv[])
{
int i;
pV = &v; //initialize instance of struct
if(initVector() == 0)
{
printf("pV->size has size %d.\n", pV->size);
for(i=0;i<SIZE;i++) printf("pV->vector[%d] == %d.\n", i, pV->vector[i]);
}
getchar(); //to pause execution
return EXIT_SUCCESS;
}
Yields these results:
You still need to write a freeVector function to undo all the allocated memory.

Equivalent of std::bind in C by hacking the stack

After some research I didn't find a good way to implement the std::bind in C.
I build a small program that implements an equivalent of std::bind in C by hacking the stack.
There's two functions I will try to bind to function with pre-defined arguments.
My problem is this code is only working under Windows. Under Linux, this is a mess. I this the problem is my knowledge of the stack and the way that arguments are store in memory.
Thanks,
Please, find below the code I made:
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
#include <string.h>
The two functions I want to bind :
void test1 (int nombre, char t, int nombre2)
{
printf ("test 1 : %d%c%d\n", nombre, t, nombre2);
}
void test2 (char t, int nombre, int nombre2)
{
printf ("test 2 : %c%d%d\n", t, nombre, nombre2);
}
Two struct that will store the argument of each function (order of fields is important).
typedef struct {
int nombre;
char t;
int nombre2;
} struct1;
typedef struct {
char t;
int nombre;
int nombre2;
} struct2;
This "fake" struct will be use to write on the stack by dereferencing a structvoid* variable.
// Size must be bigger than every struct*
typedef struct {
int i[10];
} structvoid;
The main function.
int main(int argc, char** argv) {
// Variables to store the two functions and their arguments.
void * functions[2];
structvoid * data[2];
void *func1 = (void *)&test1;
void *func2 = (void *)&test2;
void (*functionPtrc)(structurevoid);
// Definition of the argument of the first function test1
struct1 data1;
data1.nombre = 15;
data1.t = 'c';
data1.nombre2 = 30;
// and storing data.
void *datac = malloc (sizeof (structvoid));
memcpy(datac, &data1, sizeof (struct1));
data[0] = (structvoid*)datac;
functions[0] = func1;
// Same thing with function 2.
struct2 data2;
data2.t = 'a';
data2.nombre = 5;
data2.nombre2 = 10;
datac = malloc (sizeof (structvoid));
memcpy(datac, &data2, sizeof (struct2));
data[1] = (structvoid*)datac;
functions[1] = func2;
// Get the pointer to the first function (test1);
functionPtrc = functions[0];
// All the hack is here. By dereferencing the data, this will write on the stack all arguments need by the test1 function.
functionPtrc(*data[0]);
functionPtrc = functions[1];
functionPtrc(*data[1]);
// To check the result.
test1 (data1.nombre, data1.t, data1.nombre2);
test2 (data2.t, data2.nombre, data2.nombre2);
return 0;
}
EDIT
Here a new version of the program by calling function via the calling convention. I only wrote the new lines. The problem of this method is I can only store data inside a "void *" field. If I increase the size of structvoid, I got garbage behaviors.
// Structure that memories each argument
typedef struct {
void *i[1];
} structvoid;
int main(int argc, char** argv) {
// Variables to store the two functions and their arguments.
void * functions[2];
structvoid * data[2];
void *func1 = (void *)&test1;
// Let's start with a maximum of 5 arguments
void (*functionPtrc)(structurevoid, structurevoid, structurevoid, structurevoid, structurevoid);
// Definition of the argument of the first function test1
struct1 data1;
data1.nombre = 15;
data1.t = 'c';
data1.nombre2 = 30;
// and storing data.
structvoid *datac = malloc (sizeof (structvoid)*5);
memcpy(&datac[0], &data1.nombre, sizeof (data1.nombre));
memcpy(&datac[1], &data1.t, sizeof (data1.t));
memcpy(&datac[2], &data1.nombre2, sizeof (data1.nombre2));
data[0] = datac;
functions[0] = func1;
// Get the pointer to the first function (test1);
functionPtrc = functions[0];
// Call the function with the arguments. The unused argument will be ignored.
functionPtrc(data[0][0], data[0][1], data[0][2], data[0][3], data[0][4]);
}

Accessing members of the struct via void *

The solution consists of two parts, one is a static library that receives instances of struct from the user of the library. Library doesn't know what will be the type of structs, all it knows there will be two function pointers to it with a specific name.
Library Code
pre-compiled library has no way of knowing types of user structs, hence receiving via void*
void save(void *data) {
// library will save/cache user's object
data->registered(); // if register successful
}
void remove(void *data) {
// library will remove the object from memory
data->remove(); // if removed successful
}
User of the Library Code
struct Temp { // random order of fields
void (*custom1)();
void (*registered)();
void (*custom2)();
void (*remove)();
void (*custom3)();
}
void reg() {
printf("registered");
}
void rem() {
printf("removed");
}
void custom1() {}
void custom2() {}
void custom3() {}
var temp = malloc(struct Temp, sizeof(struct Temp));
temp->registered = reg;
temp->remove = rem;
temp->custom1 = custom1; // some custom functions
temp->custom2 = custom2;
temp->custom3 = custom3;
// calling library code
save(temp);
remove(temp);
Q. Is there a way for the Library to know how to iterate and go through member fields and see if there's a pointer to such function and call it available.
Is there a way for the Library to know how to iterate and go through member fields and see if there's a pointer to such function and call it available.
No there is not.
Your best bet is to create a structure in the library that has these members, and pass that structure instead of void*.
As #immibis said, there is no way for this to work (i.e. no way for the compiler to justify compiling such code) if the compiler does not know what the types of the data being passed to the function are.
Since you wanted to pass the objects along to the library without storing information about the type of each object in the library, you can fake polymorphism in C, by doing the following:
callback.h
#ifndef _CALLBACK_H_
#define _CALLBACK_H_
typedef struct {
void (*registered)();
void (*removed)();
} ICallback;
#endif _CALLBACK_H_
pre_comp.h
#ifndef _PRE_COMP_H_
#define _PRE_COMP_H_
#include "callback.h"
void save(ICallback* data);
void remove(ICallback* data);
#endif /* _PRE_COMP_H_ */
precomp.c
#include <stdlib.h> /* NULL */
#include "callback.h"
#include "pre_comp.h"
void save(ICallback *data) {
if (NULL != data && NULL != data->registered) {
data->registered(); // if register successful
}
}
void remove(ICallback *data) {
if (NULL != data && NULL != data->removed) {
data->removed(); // if removed successful
}
}
main.c
#include <stdio.h>
#include "pre_comp.h"
#include "callback.h"
struct Temp {
ICallback base; // has to be defined first for this to work
void (*custom1)();
void (*custom2)();
void (*custom3)();
};
// calling library code
void reg() {
puts("registered");
}
void rem() {
puts("removed");
}
int main() {
struct Temp data = {{reg, rem}};
save((ICallback*)&data);
remove((ICallback*)&data);
}
compiling
gcc pre_comp.c main.c
output
registered
removed
If the library has 0 information about the possible struct types, then you
cannot do it. The library has to get somehow the information or the offsets.
The only way I can think of is:
All register member have the same prototype
Pass the offset to the function.
I created an example of this
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stddef.h>
#include <stdint.h>
// function that does not know anything about any struct
void reg(void *data, size_t offset)
{
uintptr_t *p = (uintptr_t*) (((char*) data) + offset);
void (*reg)() = (void(*)()) *p;
reg();
}
struct A {
int c;
void (*reg)();
};
struct B {
int b;
int c;
void (*reg)();
};
void reg_a()
{
printf("reg of A\n");
}
void reg_b()
{
printf("reg of B\n");
}
int main(void)
{
struct A a;
struct B b;
a.reg = reg_a;
b.reg = reg_b;
reg(&a, offsetof(struct A, reg));
reg(&b, offsetof(struct B, reg));
return 0;
}
This prints:
$ ./c
reg of A
reg of B
I run it with valgrind and I did not get any errors nor warnings. I'm not sure if
this violates somehow strict aliasing rules or yields undefined behaviour
because of the uintptr_t* conversions, but at least it seems to work.
I think however, the more cleaner solution is to rewrite the register (btw. register
is a keyword in C, you cannot use that for a function name) function to
accept a function pointer and possible parameters, something like this:
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdarg.h>
void reg(void (*func)(va_list), int dummy, ...)
{
if(func == NULL)
return;
va_list ap;
va_start(ap, dummy);
func(ap);
va_end(ap);
}
void reg1(int a, int b)
{
printf("reg1, a=%d, b=%d\n", a, b);
}
void vreg1(va_list ap)
{
int a = va_arg(ap, int);
int b = va_arg(ap, int);
reg1(a, b);
}
void reg2(const char *text)
{
printf("reg2, %s\n", text);
}
void vreg2(va_list ap)
{
const char *text = va_arg(ap, const char*);
reg2(text);
}
int main(void)
{
reg(vreg1, 0, 3, 4);
reg(vreg2, 0, "Hello world");
return 0;
}
This has the output:
reg1, a=3, b=4
reg2, Hello world
Note that reg has a dummy parameter. I do that because the man page of
stdarg says:
man stdarg
va_start():
[...]
Because the address of this argument may be used in the va_start() macro,
it should not be declared as a register variable, or as a
function or an array type.
You can take an approach similar to qsort and pass function pointers in addition to a void pointer to the structure.
Here is the function prototype for qsort, which is a function that can be used to sort arrays of any type:
void qsort(void *base, size_t nmemb, size_t size, int (*compar)(const void *, const void *));
It takes a function pointer that performs the comparison because without it qsort wouldn't know how to compare two objects.
This can be applied to your task with a function prototype like this:
int DoFoo(void *thing, void (*register)(void *), void (*remove)(void *))
This function takes a void pointer to your struct and then two functions that it can call when it needs to register or remove that struct. Having the functions be members of the struct is not required and I generally do not recommend it. I recommend reading up on qsort because it is does something similar to what you are trying to do.

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