How to add element to C++ array?

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I want to add an int into an array, but the problem is that I don't know what the index is now.

int[] arr = new int[15];
arr[0] = 1;
arr[1] = 2;
arr[2] = 3;
arr[3] = 4;
arr[4] = 5;

That code works because I know what index I am assigning to, but what if I don't know the index...

In PHP, I can just do arr[]=22;, which will automatically add 22 to the next empty index of the array. But in C++ I can't do that, it gives me a compiler error. What do you guys suggest?

11 Answers

There is no way to do what you say in C++ with plain arrays. The C++ solution for that is by using the STL library that gives you the std::vector.

You can use a vector in this way:

#include <vector>

std::vector< int > arr;

arr.push_back(1);
arr.push_back(2);
arr.push_back(3);

Arrays in C++ cannot change size at runtime. For that purpose, you should use vector<int> instead.

vector<int> arr;
arr.push_back(1);
arr.push_back(2);

// arr.size() will be the number of elements in the vector at the moment.

As mentioned in the comments, vector is defined in vector header and std namespace. To use it, you should:

#include <vector>

and also, either use std::vector in your code or add

using std::vector; 

or

using namespace std;

after the #include <vector> line.

Use a vector:

#include <vector>

void foo() {
    std::vector <int> v;
    v.push_back( 1 );       // equivalent to v[0] = 1
}
int arr[] = new int[15];

The variable arr holds a memory address. At the memory address, there are 15 consecutive ints in a row. They can be referenced with index 0 to 14 inclusive.

In php i can just do this arr[]=22; this will automatically add 22 to the next empty index of array.

There is no concept of 'next' when dealing with arrays.
One important thing that I think you are missing is that as soon as the array is created, all elements of the array already exist. They are uninitialized, but they all do exist already. So you aren't 'filling' the elements of the array as you go, they are already filled, just with uninitialized values. There is no way to test for an uninitialized element in an array.

It sounds like you want to use a data structure such as a queue or stack or vector.

I fully agree with the vector way when implementing a dynamic array. However, bear in mind that STL provides you with a host of containers that cater to different runtime requirements.You should choose one with care. E.g: For fast insertion at back you have the choice between a vector and a deque.

And I almost forgot, with great power comes great responsibility :-) Since vectors are flexible in size, they often reallocate automagically to adjust for adding elements.So beware about iterator invalidation (yes, it applies as well to pointers). However, as long as you are using operator[] for accessing the individual elements you are safe.

I may be missing the point of your question here, and if so I apologize. But, if you're not going to be deleting any items only adding them, why not simply assign a variable to the next empty slot? Every time you add a new value to the array, just increment the value to point to the next one.

In C++ a better solution is to use the standard library type std::list< type >, which also allows the array to grow dynamically, e.g.:

#include <list>

std::list<int> arr; 

for (int i = 0; i < 10; i++) 
{
    // add new value from 0 to 9 to next slot
    arr.push_back(i); 
}

// add arbitrary value to the next free slot
arr.push_back(22);

You can use a variable to count places in the array, so when ever you add a new element, you put it in the right place. For example:

int a = 0;
int arr[5] = { };
arr[a] = 6;
a++;

If you are writing in C++ -- it is a way better to use data structures from standard library such as vector.

C-style arrays are very error-prone, and should be avoided whenever possible.

Since I got so many negative feedback I realized my solution was wrong so i changed it.

int arr[20] = {1,2,3,4,5};
int index = 5;

void push(int n){
    arr[index] = n;
    index++;
}

push(6)

New array will contain value from 1 to 6 and you can make function for deletion like this as well.

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