The discussion centers on implementing a function to find the first free position in an array using a binary search algorithm with a time complexity of $O(\log n)$. The proposed function, FreePos(int *A, int low, int high), utilizes recursion to locate the first occurrence of INT_MAX in the array. Participants also discuss edge cases and potential segmentation faults when integrating this function into a larger system for merging two star systems, specifically addressing the handling of array bounds and ensuring proper indexing.
FreePos function with various edge casesINT_MAX as a sentinel value in arraysSoftware developers, particularly those working with C programming, data structure manipulation, and algorithm optimization, will benefit from this discussion.
mathmari said:Should I declare [m]starsystem[/m] outside the if?? (Wondering)
I like Serena said:The life time of an object ends when we get to the matching closing brace. (Nerd)
mathmari said:What do you mean?? (Wondering)
void function()
{
int a = 2;
{
int a = 3;
printf("%d\n", a);
}
printf("%d\n", a);
}I like Serena said:When you have:
what do you think gets printed? (Wondering)Code:void function() { int a = 2; { int a = 3; printf("%d\n", a); } printf("%d\n", a); }
mathmari said:It will print:
3
2
right?? (Wondering)
I like Serena said:Yep. (Nod)
When "int a = 3" is declared, local stack memory is allocated for it.
Furthermore it "hides" the "a" that was declared earlier.
When the closing brace comes by, the local stack memory is automatically released.
Afterwards, the original "a" becomes visible again. (Nerd)
mathmari said:Ahaa... Ok! (Muscle)I have also an other question...
When I declare 'starsystem', before the if statement, do I write it as followed??
[m] starsy_t *starsystem;[/m]
Or should I set it equal to [m]NULL[/m] ??
(Wondering)