Why Does C Require a Cast for `malloc()` While C Doesn't?

C 's Cast Requirement for malloc()

While C allows implicit conversion of void pointers to object pointers, C enforces strict type safety. Consequently, in C , casting the return value of malloc() is necessary to assign it to a different pointer type.

C's Lack of Cast Requirement

In C, the absence of a cast when assigning the return value of malloc() to a different pointer type is not a mistake, but rather a result of the language's implicit type conversions. C assumes that function calls without a prior declaration return integers, and a pointer without a cast is interpreted as an integer.

Implications

This implicit conversion can lead to runtime issues if the correct header (e.g., stdlib.h) is not included. Without the cast, C will silently assign the int value of the pointer to the pointer variable, potentially corrupting data.

Modern C Practices

In modern C , it is recommended to use new and delete for memory management instead of malloc() and free(). These operators automatically cast to the correct pointer type and provide additional safety features, including constructors and destructors.

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