Dynamic Arrays in C: Flexible Array Members

This lecture discusses the concept of flexible array members in C programming. It begins with an overview of pointers and arrays, emphasizing pointer arithmetic and the sizeof operator. The instructor revisits the flexible array member, providing a detailed explanation of its structure, specifically the 'struct vector_double', which allows for dynamic arrays through dynamic memory allocation. The lecture includes examples of how to allocate memory for these structures, ensuring that the size does not exceed predefined limits to prevent buffer overflows. The instructor illustrates the allocation process, explaining how to calculate the maximum number of elements that can be stored. The lecture also contrasts flexible array members with traditional dynamic arrays, highlighting the advantages of using flexible array members, such as reduced pointer indirection. The session concludes with practical applications and considerations for using flexible array members in system programming, reinforcing the importance of understanding this pattern in C programming.