c vectors and memory leaks

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Okay, let's dive into the world of C vectors and memory leaks. This will be a comprehensive guide, covering the fundamentals of creating dynamic arrays using `malloc` and `realloc`, common pitfalls that lead to memory leaks, and strategies to prevent them.

*I. What is a C Vector?*

In C, unlike languages like Python or Java, arrays have a fixed size at compile time. A "vector," in the context of C, typically refers to a dynamically sized array – an array that can grow or shrink during runtime. We achieve this dynamic behavior by allocating memory on the heap using functions like `malloc`, `calloc`, and `realloc`.

*II. Building a Dynamic Array (C Vector): Basic Implementation*

Here's a basic implementation of a dynamic array (vector) in C, focusing on the core concepts:



*Explanation:*

1. *`Vector` Structure:*
`data`: A pointer to the dynamically allocated integer array that stores the vector's elements.
`size`: The number of elements currently stored in the vector. This is often less than or equal to the `capacity`.
`capacity`: The total number of elements that can be stored in the allocated memory. When `size` equals `capacity`, we need to reallocate.

2. *`vector_init()`:*
Allocates initial memory for the `data` array using `malloc`.
Sets `size` to 0 (the vector is initially empty).
Sets `capacity` to the given `initial_capacity`.
*Error Handling:* Crucially, it checks if `malloc` returns `NULL` (indicating memory allocation failure). If it does, it prints an error message to `stderr` and exits the program. Failing to handle `malloc` failures is a common source of problems.

3. *`vector_append()`:*
*Checks Capacity:* It checks if the vector is full (`size == capacity`).
*Reallocation:* If the vector is full:
Calculates a new capacity (usually by doubling the current capacity).
Uses `realloc()` to resize the `data` array. `realloc()` at ...

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