HOWTO: Create Two-dimensional Huge Arrays w/ C++ new Operator

• The Microsoft C/C++ Compiler (CL.EXE) included with: - Microsoft Visual C++ for Windows, versions 1.0, 1.5, 1.51, 1.52

SUMMARY

The code sample in this article shows two ways to dynamically create huge two-dimensional arrays (bigger than the 64K byte limit) using the C++ new operator. One method shows the proper use of the __huge keyword for 16-bit compilers.

For more information on creating a two-dimensional array (with a size less than 64K bytes), please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q102391
   TITLE     : HOWTO: Create Two-Dimensional Arrays with Operator new

MORE INFORMATION

Here are two methods you can use to create a large two-dimensional array. The first method, for the 16-bit compiler, shows the proper use of the __huge keyword. The second method needs a special compiler option for a 16-bit Windows-based application.

First Method Sample Code

A pointer to an array of the elements to be created is to be declared First as follows:

   /* For 16-bit compiler  */
   /* No special compile options needed. */

   #include <iostream.h>

   void main(void)
   {
       char (__huge *varchar)[350];            // Declare pointer to an
                                               // array of 350 characters.
       varchar = new __huge char[130000][350]; // Pointer declaration and
                                               // the initialization have
                                               // to be on separate lines.
       /* Application code */

       delete [] varchar;
   }

Second Method Sample Code

   /* Use the Huge memory model compiler option with the 16-bit compiler */

   void main(void)
   {
      char (*varchar )[350];
      varchar = new char [130000][350];

      /* Application code */

      delete [] varchar;
   }