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Sizeof Operator In C

Sizeof is a common operator in C. It’s used to determine the size, in bytes, of a particular data type or variable. This operator provides information about the memory storage required for its operand. The result of sizeof is typically an unsigned integral value represented by the type size_t.

You can use sizeof with various data types, including basic types like integers and floats, pointer types, as well as more complex types like structures and unions. This operator helps you understand how much memory a specific data type or variable occupies in your computer’s memory.

Syntax

sizeof(Expression);

where ‘Expression‘ can be a data type or a variable of any type.

Return: It returns the size size of the given expression.

Time Complexity: O(1)
Auxiliary Space: O(1)

Usage of sizeof() operator 

When the sizeof operator is used with a data type as its operand, it returns the size, in bytes, of that data type.

1. Data Type Operand: When you use sizeof a data type, like sizeof(int) or sizeof(char), it tells you how much memory is allocated for that specific data type in bytes. For example, sizeof(int) might return 4, indicating that an int takes up 4 bytes of memory on your system. This information is essential for memory management and understanding the storage requirements of your variables.

Example

// C Program To demonstrate
// sizeof operator
#include <stdio.h>
int main()
{
    printf("%lu\n", sizeof(char));
    printf("%lu\n", sizeof(int));
    printf("%lu\n", sizeof(float));
    printf("%lu", sizeof(double));
    return 0;
}

Output

1
4
4
8

2. Expression Operand: When you use sizeof with an expression, like sizeof(variable), it calculates and returns the size of the evaluated expression in bytes. For instance, sizeof(array) would give you the size in bytes of the entire array, and sizeof(structure) would provide the size of the entire structure in memory. This is helpful for determining the memory footprint of more complex data structures and expressions in your code.

// C Program To demonstrate
// operand as expression
#include <stdio.h>
int main()
{
    int a = 0;
    double d = 10.21;
    printf("%lu", sizeof(a + d));
    return 0;
}

Output

8

the sizeof operator returns the size of a data type in bytes. Typically, the size of an int is 4 bytes, and the size of a double is 8 bytes on many systems. So, if you have an int variable a and a double variable d, the size of int is 4 bytes, the size of double is 8 bytes, and the sizeof operator returns the size in bytes.

However, it’s important to note that the sizeof operator always returns a result of type size_t, which is an unsigned integral type used for sizes. The actual size of size_t may vary depending on the system (typically 4 or 8 bytes). So, the result of sizeof is not of the double type but rather of type size_t.

Type Of Operator

Sizeof() is indeed a compile-time operator in C and C++. It is evaluated by the compiler, not at runtime. When the compiler encounters sizeof(), it calculates the size of the operand (either a data type or an expression) and replaces sizeof() with the computed size during the compilation process.

// C Program to illustrate
// that the 'sizeof' operator
// is a 'compile time operator'
#include <stdio.h>
 
int main(void)
{
    int y;
    int x = 11;
 
    // value of x doesn't change
    y = sizeof(x++);
 
    // prints 4 and 11
    printf("%i %i", y, x);
 
    return (0);
}

Output

4 11

Need of Sizeof 

One common use of the sizeof operator is to determine the number of elements in an array automatically.

Example

// C Program
// demonstrate the method
// to find the number of elements
// in an array
#include <stdio.h>
int main()
{
    int arr[] = { 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 98, 0, 12, 35, 99, 14 };
    printf("Number of elements:%lu ",
           sizeof(arr) / sizeof(arr[0]));
    return 0;
}

Output

Number of elements:11 

The sizeof operator is extensively used in dynamic memory allocation, especially when you want to allocate memory for a specific number of elements of a particular data type without hardcoding the size of that data type

Syntax

int* ptr = (int*)malloc(10 * sizeof(int));

FAQ- Sizeof Operator In C

Hridhya Manoj

Hello, I’m Hridhya Manoj. I’m passionate about technology and its ever-evolving landscape. With a deep love for writing and a curious mind, I enjoy translating complex concepts into understandable, engaging content. Let’s explore the world of tech together