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Introduction
The primary difference between malloc and the calloc functions in C language is that calloc() needs two arguments rather than one argument, as required for malloc().
Both malloc and calloc in C language are vital features of middle-level programming languages. They assist in facilitating de-allocation along with dynamic memory allocation during run-time.
In the contents of this post, we intend to educate you on the meaning of malloc and calloc, their syntax, and the primary distinction between them.
We will also explore how these functions are similar and various capabilities available in C Dynamic Memory Allocation that allow you to meet your long- and short-term C programming requirements.
What is Malloc()?
It is a function that we can use to allocate memory dynamically. It holds memory space of an amount specified and returns a null pointer that points towards the memory.
The returned pointer is typical of the void type. This means we can assign a malloc function to any type of pointer. Malloc’s full meaning refers to Memory Allocation.
What is Calloc()?
Calloc() function can be used to allocate several chunks of memory. It is a dynamic memory allocation function that allocates memory to more complex data structures like structures and arrays.
If the function cannot allocate the space needed in the manner specified, it will return null pointers. The complete form of the Calloc is called Contiguous Allocation.
Important Differences Between Malloc and Calloc
| Malloc | Calloc |
| The single chunk of memory is allocated in malloc. | Multiple blocks of memory requested are allocated using calloc. |
| Malloc doesn’t clean and initialise the memory allocated. It’s a garbage-filled memory, and items of memory allocated cannot be changed. | Contrarily, calloc sets the memory allocated to zero. |
| Malloc runs faster than calloc because of no additional requirement of initialisation steps. | Calloc is a little slower than malloc, but the difference is minimal. |
| In comparison, malloc assigns the memory from the pile to the virtual address. | Calloc is a malloc memset, which allots the physical pages in memory. |
Malloc
- The technique malloc’ can be used to assign a block of memory when required.
- It’s not able to clear the memory.
- It initiates the memory allocated only when asked for.
- It allocates memory according to an ‘amount’.
- This amount is derived from a pile.
- It is able to do its work quickly.
Example
void *malloc(size_t size);
Calloc
- It assigns the memory requested to several blocks.
- The memory allocated is set to zero.
- The initialisation of 0 is performed by the “calloc” method.
- It allocates memory for the operation for a certain “size”, i.e. num * size.
- The word “number” refers to the number of blocks in memory.
- It’s slower in comparison to the malloc’ technique.
Example
void *calloc(size_t num, size_t size);
Both malloc and calloc functions work to allocate memory. Both have their pros and cons. For instance, malloc is more efficient than calloc. Additionally, calloc allocates memory and then initialises memory using ZERO. So, it is easier to use since it requires only one parameter. If variable initialisation is more important for you, malloc is the better choice.
