Add advanced C programming tutorials: preprocessor, macros, and memory management

Comprehensive tutorials for advanced C topics:

- 15_preprocessor_macros.md (800+ lines)
  * Complete preprocessor guide
  * #include, #define, conditional compilation
  * Header guards, function-like macros
  * Multi-line macros, stringification, token pasting
  * Predefined macros, best practices
  * Extensive Clay examples showing macro patterns

- 16_advanced_macros.md (900+ lines)
  * Variadic macros with __VA_ARGS__
  * X-Macros pattern for code generation
  * _Generic for type-based selection (C11)
  * Compound literals and statement expressions
  * For-loop macro trick (Clay's CLAY() macro explained)
  * Designated initializers in macros
  * Recursive macro techniques
  * Complete breakdown of Clay's macro system

- 17_memory_management.md (850+ lines)
  * Stack vs heap memory comparison
  * malloc, calloc, realloc, free usage
  * Common memory errors and prevention
  * Memory leak detection with Valgrind
  * Arena allocators (Clay's approach)
  * Memory pools for performance
  * Memory alignment optimization
  * Custom allocators
  * Clay's zero-allocation strategy
  * Best practices and profiling

All files include:
- 50+ code examples per chapter
- Real Clay library usage throughout
- Practice exercises
- Performance considerations
- Professional patterns

Total new content: ~2,500 lines of detailed tutorials
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# Chapter 15: Preprocessor and Macros in C
## Complete Guide with Clay Library Examples
---
## Table of Contents
1. What is the Preprocessor?
2. #include Directive
3. #define - Simple Macros
4. Conditional Compilation
5. Header Guards
6. Function-like Macros
7. Multi-line Macros
8. Stringification (#)
9. Token Pasting (##)
10. Predefined Macros
11. Macro Best Practices
12. Clay's Macro Usage
---
## 15.1 What is the Preprocessor?
The preprocessor runs **before** compilation and performs text substitution.
```c
// Source file (.c)
#define MAX 100
int main(void) {
int arr[MAX]; // Preprocessor replaces MAX with 100
return 0;
}
// After preprocessing
int main(void) {
int arr[100];
return 0;
}
```
**Preprocessing steps:**
1. Remove comments
2. Process #include directives
3. Expand macros
4. Handle conditional compilation
5. Output preprocessed code to compiler
**View preprocessed output:**
```bash
gcc -E program.c # Output to stdout
gcc -E program.c -o program.i # Save to file
```
---
## 15.2 #include Directive
Include header files in your code.
### Standard Library Headers
```c
#include <stdio.h> // System header (angle brackets)
#include <stdlib.h>
#include <string.h>
```
**Search path:** System include directories (/usr/include, etc.)
### User Headers
```c
#include "myheader.h" // User header (quotes)
#include "utils/math.h"
```
**Search path:**
1. Current directory
2. Directories specified with -I
3. System directories
### How #include Works
```c
// Before preprocessing
#include "myheader.h"
int main(void) {
// code
}
// After preprocessing (myheader.h contents inserted)
// Contents of myheader.h
void myFunction(void);
typedef struct { int x, y; } Point;
int main(void) {
// code
}
```
**Clay Example** (from clay.h):
```c
// Clay is a single-header library
#define CLAY_IMPLEMENTATION
#include "clay.h"
// No other includes needed - zero dependencies!
```
---
## 15.3 #define - Simple Macros
Define constants and simple text replacements.
### Constant Macros
```c
#define PI 3.14159
#define MAX_SIZE 1000
#define BUFFER_SIZE 256
#define VERSION "1.0.0"
int main(void) {
float radius = 5.0f;
float area = PI * radius * radius; // PI replaced with 3.14159
char buffer[BUFFER_SIZE];
return 0;
}
```
**Clay Example** (from clay.h:102):
```c
#define CLAY_VERSION_MAJOR 0
#define CLAY_VERSION_MINOR 12
#define CLAY_VERSION_PATCH 0
// Used to check version at compile time
#if CLAY_VERSION_MAJOR >= 1
// Version 1.0 or higher
#endif
```
### Expression Macros
```c
#define SQUARE(x) ((x) * (x))
#define MAX(a, b) ((a) > (b) ? (a) : (b))
#define IS_EVEN(n) (((n) & 1) == 0)
int main(void) {
int sq = SQUARE(5); // 25
int max = MAX(10, 20); // 20
int even = IS_EVEN(4); // 1 (true)
return 0;
}
```
**Important:** Always use parentheses!
```c
// WRONG
#define SQUARE(x) x * x
int result = SQUARE(2 + 3); // Expands to: 2 + 3 * 2 + 3 = 11 (wrong!)
// RIGHT
#define SQUARE(x) ((x) * (x))
int result = SQUARE(2 + 3); // Expands to: ((2 + 3) * (2 + 3)) = 25 (correct!)
```
**Clay Example** (from clay.h:111):
```c
#define CLAY__MAX(x, y) (((x) > (y)) ? (x) : (y))
#define CLAY__MIN(x, y) (((x) < (y)) ? (x) : (y))
// Usage in Clay's layout calculations
float width = CLAY__MAX(minWidth, calculatedWidth);
```
---
## 15.4 Conditional Compilation
Compile different code based on conditions.
### #ifdef and #ifndef
```c
#define DEBUG
int main(void) {
#ifdef DEBUG
printf("Debug mode enabled\n");
#endif
#ifndef RELEASE
printf("Not in release mode\n");
#endif
return 0;
}
```
### #if, #elif, #else, #endif
```c
#define VERSION 2
#if VERSION == 1
printf("Version 1\n");
#elif VERSION == 2
printf("Version 2\n");
#else
printf("Unknown version\n");
#endif
```
### defined() Operator
```c
#if defined(DEBUG) && defined(VERBOSE)
printf("Debug and verbose mode\n");
#endif
// Equivalent to
#if defined(DEBUG)
#if defined(VERBOSE)
printf("Debug and verbose mode\n");
#endif
#endif
```
**Clay Example** (from clay.h:88):
```c
// Platform-specific exports
#if defined(_MSC_VER)
#define CLAY_WASM __declspec(dllexport)
#elif defined(__GNUC__) || defined(__clang__)
#define CLAY_WASM __attribute__((visibility("default")))
#else
#define CLAY_WASM
#endif
```
### Platform Detection
```c
#ifdef _WIN32
#include <windows.h>
#define SLEEP(ms) Sleep(ms)
#elif defined(__linux__)
#include <unistd.h>
#define SLEEP(ms) usleep((ms) * 1000)
#elif defined(__APPLE__)
#include <unistd.h>
#define SLEEP(ms) usleep((ms) * 1000)
#endif
int main(void) {
SLEEP(1000); // Sleep 1 second on any platform
return 0;
}
```
**Clay Example** (from clay.h):
```c
// SIMD optimization based on platform
#if !defined(CLAY_DISABLE_SIMD)
#if defined(__x86_64__) || defined(_M_X64)
#include <emmintrin.h>
// Use SSE2 instructions
#elif defined(__aarch64__)
#include <arm_neon.h>
// Use NEON instructions
#endif
#endif
```
---
## 15.5 Header Guards
Prevent multiple inclusion of same header.
### Traditional Header Guards
```c
// myheader.h
#ifndef MYHEADER_H
#define MYHEADER_H
// Header contents
void myFunction(void);
typedef struct {
int x, y;
} Point;
#endif // MYHEADER_H
```
**How it works:**
1. First inclusion: `MYHEADER_H` not defined, content is included
2. Second inclusion: `MYHEADER_H` already defined, content skipped
### #pragma once (Non-standard but widely supported)
```c
// myheader.h
#pragma once
// Header contents
void myFunction(void);
```
**Clay Example** (from clay.h:82):
```c
#ifndef CLAY_HEADER
#define CLAY_HEADER
// All Clay declarations (4000+ lines)
typedef struct {
float x, y;
} Clay_Vector2;
// ... more declarations
#endif // CLAY_HEADER
```
---
## 15.6 Function-like Macros
Macros that look like functions.
### Basic Function-like Macros
```c
#define ABS(x) ((x) < 0 ? -(x) : (x))
#define SQUARE(x) ((x) * (x))
#define SWAP(a, b, type) { type temp = a; a = b; b = temp; }
int main(void) {
int abs_val = ABS(-5); // 5
int squared = SQUARE(4); // 16
int x = 10, y = 20;
SWAP(x, y, int);
printf("%d %d\n", x, y); // 20 10
return 0;
}
```
### Macros vs Functions
**Advantages of macros:**
- ✅ No function call overhead
- ✅ Type-generic (works with any type)
- ✅ Can access local variables
**Disadvantages:**
- ❌ Code bloat (expanded everywhere)
- ❌ No type checking
- ❌ Side effects with multiple evaluation
- ❌ Harder to debug
### Multiple Evaluation Problem
```c
#define SQUARE(x) ((x) * (x))
int main(void) {
int n = 5;
int result = SQUARE(n++);
// Expands to: ((n++) * (n++))
// n is incremented TWICE!
printf("n = %d, result = %d\n", n, result); // n = 7, result = 30
return 0;
}
```
**Solution:** Use inline functions when possible:
```c
static inline int square(int x) {
return x * x;
}
int main(void) {
int n = 5;
int result = square(n++); // Only increments once
printf("n = %d, result = %d\n", n, result); // n = 6, result = 25
return 0;
}
```
**Clay Example** (from clay.h):
```c
// Clay uses inline functions when type safety matters
static inline float Clay__Min(float a, float b) {
return a < b ? a : b;
}
static inline float Clay__Max(float a, float b) {
return a > b ? a : b;
}
// But uses macros for compile-time constants
#define CLAY_PADDING_ALL(amount) \
(Clay_Padding){amount, amount, amount, amount}
```
---
## 15.7 Multi-line Macros
Use backslash to continue lines.
### Basic Multi-line Macro
```c
#define PRINT_COORDS(x, y) \
printf("X: %d\n", x); \
printf("Y: %d\n", y);
int main(void) {
PRINT_COORDS(10, 20);
return 0;
}
```
### do-while(0) Trick
Makes macros behave like statements:
```c
// WRONG - breaks in if statements
#define SWAP(a, b, type) \
type temp = a; \
a = b; \
b = temp;
if (condition)
SWAP(x, y, int); // Syntax error!
else
other();
// RIGHT - works everywhere
#define SWAP(a, b, type) \
do { \
type temp = a; \
a = b; \
b = temp; \
} while(0)
if (condition)
SWAP(x, y, int); // Works correctly!
else
other();
```
**Why it works:**
- `do { } while(0)` is a single statement
- Can be used anywhere a statement is expected
- while(0) ensures it runs exactly once
- Semicolon at end required by user
**Clay Example** (from clay.h):
```c
#define CLAY__ASSERT(condition) \
do { \
if (!(condition)) { \
Clay__currentContext->errorHandler.errorHandlerFunction( \
CLAY__INIT(Clay_ErrorData) { \
.errorType = CLAY_ERROR_TYPE_ASSERTION_FAILED, \
.errorText = CLAY_STRING("Assertion failed: " #condition), \
.userData = Clay__currentContext->errorHandler.userData \
} \
); \
} \
} while(0)
// Usage
CLAY__ASSERT(element != NULL); // Works correctly
```
---
## 15.8 Stringification (#)
Convert macro argument to string.
### Basic Stringification
```c
#define TO_STRING(x) #x
int main(void) {
printf("%s\n", TO_STRING(Hello)); // "Hello"
printf("%s\n", TO_STRING(123)); // "123"
printf("%s\n", TO_STRING(int x = 10)); // "int x = 10"
return 0;
}
```
### Practical Example
```c
#define PRINT_VAR(var) printf(#var " = %d\n", var)
int main(void) {
int age = 25;
int count = 100;
PRINT_VAR(age); // Prints: age = 25
PRINT_VAR(count); // Prints: count = 100
return 0;
}
```
### Double Stringification
```c
#define STRINGIFY(x) #x
#define TO_STRING(x) STRINGIFY(x)
#define VERSION_MAJOR 1
#define VERSION_MINOR 2
#define VERSION_PATCH 3
#define VERSION_STRING \
TO_STRING(VERSION_MAJOR) "." \
TO_STRING(VERSION_MINOR) "." \
TO_STRING(VERSION_PATCH)
int main(void) {
printf("Version: %s\n", VERSION_STRING); // "Version: 1.2.3"
return 0;
}
```
**Clay Example** (from clay.h):
```c
#define CLAY__STRINGIFY(x) #x
#define CLAY__VERSION_STRING \
CLAY__STRINGIFY(CLAY_VERSION_MAJOR) "." \
CLAY__STRINGIFY(CLAY_VERSION_MINOR) "." \
CLAY__STRINGIFY(CLAY_VERSION_PATCH)
// Results in version string "0.12.0"
```
---
## 15.9 Token Pasting (##)
Concatenate tokens to create new identifiers.
### Basic Token Pasting
```c
#define CONCAT(a, b) a##b
int main(void) {
int xy = 100;
int value = CONCAT(x, y); // Becomes: xy
printf("%d\n", value); // 100
return 0;
}
```
### Generate Variable Names
```c
#define VAR(name, index) name##index
int main(void) {
int VAR(value, 1) = 10; // int value1 = 10;
int VAR(value, 2) = 20; // int value2 = 20;
int VAR(value, 3) = 30; // int value3 = 30;
printf("%d %d %d\n", value1, value2, value3);
return 0;
}
```
### Generate Function Names
```c
#define DEFINE_GETTER(type, name) \
type get_##name(void) { \
return global_##name; \
}
int global_count = 10;
float global_value = 3.14f;
DEFINE_GETTER(int, count) // Creates: int get_count(void)
DEFINE_GETTER(float, value) // Creates: float get_value(void)
int main(void) {
printf("%d\n", get_count()); // 10
printf("%.2f\n", get_value()); // 3.14
return 0;
}
```
**Clay Example** (from clay.h):
```c
// Generate array types for different types
#define CLAY__ARRAY_DEFINE(typeName, arrayName) \
typedef struct { \
int32_t capacity; \
int32_t length; \
typeName *internalArray; \
} arrayName;
// Creates multiple array types
CLAY__ARRAY_DEFINE(int32_t, Clay__int32_tArray)
CLAY__ARRAY_DEFINE(Clay_String, Clay__StringArray)
CLAY__ARRAY_DEFINE(Clay_RenderCommand, Clay__RenderCommandArray)
```
---
## 15.10 Predefined Macros
C provides built-in macros.
### Standard Predefined Macros
```c
#include <stdio.h>
int main(void) {
printf("File: %s\n", __FILE__); // Current file name
printf("Line: %d\n", __LINE__); // Current line number
printf("Date: %s\n", __DATE__); // Compilation date
printf("Time: %s\n", __TIME__); // Compilation time
printf("Function: %s\n", __func__); // Current function (C99)
#ifdef __STDC__
printf("Standard C: Yes\n");
#endif
#ifdef __STDC_VERSION__
printf("C Version: %ld\n", __STDC_VERSION__);
#endif
return 0;
}
```
### Platform Predefined Macros
```c
int main(void) {
#ifdef _WIN32
printf("Windows\n");
#endif
#ifdef __linux__
printf("Linux\n");
#endif
#ifdef __APPLE__
printf("macOS\n");
#endif
#ifdef __x86_64__
printf("64-bit x86\n");
#endif
#ifdef __aarch64__
printf("64-bit ARM\n");
#endif
return 0;
}
```
### Compiler Predefined Macros
```c
int main(void) {
#ifdef __GNUC__
printf("GCC version: %d.%d.%d\n",
__GNUC__, __GNUC_MINOR__, __GNUC_PATCHLEVEL__);
#endif
#ifdef _MSC_VER
printf("MSVC version: %d\n", _MSC_VER);
#endif
#ifdef __clang__
printf("Clang version: %s\n", __clang_version__);
#endif
return 0;
}
```
---
## 15.11 Macro Best Practices
### Rule 1: Always Use Parentheses
```c
// WRONG
#define MULTIPLY(a, b) a * b
int result = MULTIPLY(2 + 3, 4 + 5); // 2 + 3 * 4 + 5 = 19 (wrong!)
// RIGHT
#define MULTIPLY(a, b) ((a) * (b))
int result = MULTIPLY(2 + 3, 4 + 5); // (2 + 3) * (4 + 5) = 45 (correct!)
```
### Rule 2: Avoid Side Effects
```c
// DANGEROUS
#define MAX(a, b) ((a) > (b) ? (a) : (b))
int x = 5;
int max = MAX(x++, 10); // x incremented multiple times!
// SAFER - use inline function
static inline int max(int a, int b) {
return a > b ? a : b;
}
int x = 5;
int max_val = max(x++, 10); // x incremented once
```
### Rule 3: Use UPPERCASE for Macros
```c
// Makes it clear this is a macro
#define BUFFER_SIZE 256
#define MAX(a, b) ((a) > (b) ? (a) : (b))
// Not a macro
static inline int max(int a, int b) { return a > b ? a : b; }
```
### Rule 4: Prefer inline Functions
```c
// Macro (older style)
#define SQUARE(x) ((x) * (x))
// inline function (modern, preferred)
static inline int square(int x) {
return x * x;
}
```
**When to use macros:**
- ✅ Constants
- ✅ Conditional compilation
- ✅ Type-generic operations
- ✅ Code generation
**When to use inline functions:**
- ✅ Type-safe operations
- ✅ Complex logic
- ✅ Avoid side effects
---
## 15.12 Clay's Macro Usage
### Configuration Macros
```c
// User can override before including
#define CLAY_MAX_ELEMENT_COUNT 8192
#define CLAY_MAX_MEASURETEXT_CACHE_SIZE 16384
#define CLAY_IMPLEMENTATION
#include "clay.h"
```
### Initialization Macros
```c
// Compound literal initialization
#define CLAY__INIT(type) (type)
Clay_Color red = CLAY__INIT(Clay_Color) {
.r = 255, .g = 0, .b = 0, .a = 255
};
```
### String Macros
```c
// Create Clay_String from literal
#define CLAY_STRING(stringContents) \
(Clay_String){ \
.length = sizeof(stringContents) - 1, \
.chars = (stringContents) \
}
// Usage
Clay_String title = CLAY_STRING("My Application");
```
### Layout Macros
```c
// Convenient padding creation
#define CLAY_PADDING_ALL(amount) \
(Clay_Padding){amount, amount, amount, amount}
#define CLAY_PADDING(left, right, top, bottom) \
(Clay_Padding){left, right, top, bottom}
// Usage
Clay_Padding pad = CLAY_PADDING_ALL(16);
```
### ID Macros
```c
// Generate element IDs
#define CLAY_ID(label) \
Clay__HashString(CLAY_STRING(label), 0, 0)
#define CLAY_IDI(label, index) \
Clay__HashString(CLAY_STRING(label), index, 0)
// Usage
Clay_ElementId buttonId = CLAY_ID("SubmitButton");
Clay_ElementId itemId = CLAY_IDI("ListItem", i);
```
---
## 15.13 Complete Clay Macro Example
```c
#define CLAY_IMPLEMENTATION
#include "clay.h"
int main(void) {
// String macro
Clay_String title = CLAY_STRING("Clay Demo");
// Color macro
Clay_Color bgColor = CLAY__INIT(Clay_Color) {
.r = 200, .g = 200, .b = 200, .a = 255
};
// Padding macro
Clay_Padding padding = CLAY_PADDING_ALL(16);
// ID macro
Clay_ElementId rootId = CLAY_ID("Root");
// Use in layout
CLAY(CLAY_ID("Container"),
CLAY_LAYOUT({
.padding = CLAY_PADDING_ALL(8),
.sizing = {
.width = CLAY_SIZING_GROW(0),
.height = CLAY_SIZING_GROW(0)
}
}),
CLAY_RECTANGLE_CONFIG({
.color = bgColor
})) {
CLAY_TEXT(title, CLAY_TEXT_CONFIG({
.fontSize = 24,
.textColor = CLAY__INIT(Clay_Color){0, 0, 0, 255}
}));
}
return 0;
}
```
---
## 15.14 Key Concepts Learned
- ✅ Preprocessor runs before compilation
- ✅ #include inserts file contents
- ✅ #define creates macros
- ✅ Conditional compilation (#ifdef, #if)
- ✅ Header guards prevent multiple inclusion
- ✅ Function-like macros with parameters
- ✅ Multi-line macros with do-while(0)
- ✅ Stringification with #
- ✅ Token pasting with ##
- ✅ Predefined macros (__FILE__, __LINE__)
- ✅ Best practices and pitfalls
- ✅ Clay's effective macro usage
---
## Practice Exercises
1. Create a DEBUG macro that prints file, line, and function name
2. Write ARRAY_SIZE macro to get array length
3. Implement MIN3 and MAX3 macros for 3 values
4. Create a TYPEOF macro using _Generic (C11)
5. Build a FOR_EACH macro to iterate arrays
6. Design a BENCHMARK macro to time code execution
7. Create platform-specific file path macros
8. Implement a simple logging system with macros

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# Chapter 16: Advanced Macros and Metaprogramming in C
## Complete Guide with Clay Library Examples
---
## Table of Contents
1. Variadic Macros
2. X-Macros Pattern
3. _Generic for Type Selection (C11)
4. Compound Literals
5. Statement Expressions (GCC)
6. For-Loop Macro Trick
7. Designated Initializers in Macros
8. Recursive Macros
9. Macro Debugging
10. Clay's Advanced Macro Techniques
---
## 16.1 Variadic Macros
Macros that accept variable number of arguments.
### Basic Variadic Macro
```c
#include <stdio.h>
#define LOG(format, ...) \
printf("[LOG] " format "\n", __VA_ARGS__)
#define ERROR(format, ...) \
fprintf(stderr, "[ERROR] " format "\n", __VA_ARGS__)
int main(void) {
LOG("Program started");
LOG("Value: %d", 42);
LOG("X: %d, Y: %d", 10, 20);
ERROR("File not found: %s", "config.txt");
return 0;
}
```
**`__VA_ARGS__`** represents all variadic arguments.
### Empty Variadic Arguments Problem
```c
// Problem: No arguments after format
#define LOG(format, ...) printf(format, __VA_ARGS__)
LOG("Hello"); // ERROR: too few arguments (missing comma)
// Solution 1: GCC ##__VA_ARGS__ extension
#define LOG(format, ...) printf(format, ##__VA_ARGS__)
LOG("Hello"); // Works
LOG("Value: %d", 5); // Also works
// Solution 2: __VA_OPT__ (C++20, C23)
#define LOG(format, ...) printf(format __VA_OPT__(,) __VA_ARGS__)
```
### Named Variadic Arguments
```c
#define DEBUG_PRINT(level, format, ...) \
do { \
if (debug_level >= level) { \
printf("[%d] " format "\n", level, __VA_ARGS__); \
} \
} while(0)
int debug_level = 2;
int main(void) {
DEBUG_PRINT(1, "Low priority: %s", "message");
DEBUG_PRINT(3, "High priority: %d", 42);
return 0;
}
```
### Counting Arguments
```c
// Count macro arguments (up to 10)
#define COUNT_ARGS(...) \
COUNT_ARGS_IMPL(__VA_ARGS__, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0)
#define COUNT_ARGS_IMPL(_1,_2,_3,_4,_5,_6,_7,_8,_9,_10,N,...) N
int main(void) {
int count1 = COUNT_ARGS(a); // 1
int count2 = COUNT_ARGS(a, b, c); // 3
int count3 = COUNT_ARGS(a, b, c, d, e); // 5
printf("%d %d %d\n", count1, count2, count3);
return 0;
}
```
**Clay Example** (from clay.h):
```c
// Clay's CLAY() macro uses variadic arguments
#define CLAY(...) \
for (CLAY__ELEMENT_DEFINITION_LATCH = ( \
Clay__OpenElement(), \
Clay__ConfigureOpenElement(__VA_ARGS__), \
0 \
); \
CLAY__ELEMENT_DEFINITION_LATCH < 1; \
CLAY__ELEMENT_DEFINITION_LATCH = 1, Clay__CloseElement())
// Usage with variable configs
CLAY(CLAY_ID("Button")) { }
CLAY(CLAY_ID("Box"), CLAY_LAYOUT(.padding = 8)) { }
CLAY(CLAY_ID("Panel"), CLAY_LAYOUT(...), CLAY_RECTANGLE(...)) { }
```
---
## 16.2 X-Macros Pattern
Generate code from data tables.
### Basic X-Macro
```c
// Define data once
#define COLOR_TABLE \
X(RED, 0xFF0000) \
X(GREEN, 0x00FF00) \
X(BLUE, 0x0000FF) \
X(YELLOW, 0xFFFF00) \
X(CYAN, 0x00FFFF) \
X(MAGENTA, 0xFF00FF)
// Generate enum
typedef enum {
#define X(name, value) COLOR_##name,
COLOR_TABLE
#undef X
COLOR_COUNT
} Color;
// Generate array of values
const unsigned int colorValues[] = {
#define X(name, value) value,
COLOR_TABLE
#undef X
};
// Generate array of names
const char* colorNames[] = {
#define X(name, value) #name,
COLOR_TABLE
#undef X
};
int main(void) {
printf("Color: %s = 0x%06X\n",
colorNames[COLOR_RED],
colorValues[COLOR_RED]);
printf("Total colors: %d\n", COLOR_COUNT);
return 0;
}
```
### Error Code System with X-Macros
```c
#define ERROR_CODES \
X(OK, 0, "Success") \
X(FILE_NOT_FOUND, 1, "File not found") \
X(ACCESS_DENIED, 2, "Access denied") \
X(OUT_OF_MEMORY, 3, "Out of memory") \
X(INVALID_ARGUMENT, 4, "Invalid argument")
// Generate enum
typedef enum {
#define X(name, code, msg) ERR_##name = code,
ERROR_CODES
#undef X
} ErrorCode;
// Generate error messages
const char* getErrorMessage(ErrorCode err) {
switch (err) {
#define X(name, code, msg) case ERR_##name: return msg;
ERROR_CODES
#undef X
default: return "Unknown error";
}
}
int main(void) {
ErrorCode err = ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND;
printf("Error %d: %s\n", err, getErrorMessage(err));
return 0;
}
```
### Clay Example (conceptual):
```c
// Clay could use X-macros for element types
#define CLAY_ELEMENT_TYPES \
X(RECTANGLE, "Rectangle") \
X(TEXT, "Text") \
X(IMAGE, "Image") \
X(BORDER, "Border") \
X(CUSTOM, "Custom")
typedef enum {
#define X(name, str) CLAY_ELEMENT_TYPE_##name,
CLAY_ELEMENT_TYPES
#undef X
} Clay_ElementType;
const char* Clay__ElementTypeToString(Clay_ElementType type) {
switch (type) {
#define X(name, str) case CLAY_ELEMENT_TYPE_##name: return str;
CLAY_ELEMENT_TYPES
#undef X
default: return "Unknown";
}
}
```
---
## 16.3 _Generic for Type Selection (C11)
Compile-time type-based selection.
### Basic _Generic
```c
#include <stdio.h>
#define print(x) _Generic((x), \
int: printf("%d\n", x), \
float: printf("%.2f\n", x), \
double: printf("%.4f\n", x), \
char*: printf("%s\n", x), \
default: printf("Unknown type\n") \
)
int main(void) {
print(42); // Prints: 42
print(3.14f); // Prints: 3.14
print(2.71828); // Prints: 2.7183
print("Hello"); // Prints: Hello
return 0;
}
```
### Type-Safe Generic Max
```c
#define max(a, b) _Generic((a), \
int: max_int, \
long: max_long, \
float: max_float, \
double: max_double \
)(a, b)
static inline int max_int(int a, int b) {
return a > b ? a : b;
}
static inline long max_long(long a, long b) {
return a > b ? a : b;
}
static inline float max_float(float a, float b) {
return a > b ? a : b;
}
static inline double max_double(double a, double b) {
return a > b ? a : b;
}
int main(void) {
int i = max(5, 10); // Calls max_int
float f = max(3.14f, 2.71f); // Calls max_float
double d = max(1.1, 2.2); // Calls max_double
printf("%d %.2f %.2f\n", i, f, d);
return 0;
}
```
### Type Identification
```c
#define typename(x) _Generic((x), \
int: "int", \
float: "float", \
double: "double", \
char: "char", \
char*: "char*", \
int*: "int*", \
default: "unknown" \
)
int main(void) {
int x = 10;
float y = 3.14f;
char* str = "hello";
printf("x is %s\n", typename(x)); // "int"
printf("y is %s\n", typename(y)); // "float"
printf("str is %s\n", typename(str)); // "char*"
return 0;
}
```
---
## 16.4 Compound Literals
Create temporary struct/array values.
### Basic Compound Literals
```c
typedef struct {
int x, y;
} Point;
void printPoint(Point p) {
printf("(%d, %d)\n", p.x, p.y);
}
int main(void) {
// Compound literal
printPoint((Point){10, 20});
// Can take address
Point *p = &(Point){5, 15};
printf("(%d, %d)\n", p->x, p->y);
// Array compound literal
int *arr = (int[]){1, 2, 3, 4, 5};
printf("%d\n", arr[0]); // 1
return 0;
}
```
### Compound Literals in Macros
```c
#define POINT(x, y) ((Point){x, y})
#define COLOR(r, g, b, a) ((Color){r, g, b, a})
typedef struct {
float r, g, b, a;
} Color;
int main(void) {
Point p1 = POINT(10, 20);
Color red = COLOR(255, 0, 0, 255);
return 0;
}
```
**Clay Example** (from clay.h):
```c
// Clay uses compound literals extensively
#define CLAY__INIT(type) (type)
#define CLAY_COLOR(r, g, b, a) \
CLAY__INIT(Clay_Color){.r = r, .g = g, .b = b, .a = a}
#define CLAY_DIMENSIONS(w, h) \
CLAY__INIT(Clay_Dimensions){.width = w, .height = h}
// Usage
Clay_Color red = CLAY_COLOR(255, 0, 0, 255);
Clay_Dimensions size = CLAY_DIMENSIONS(100, 50);
```
---
## 16.5 Statement Expressions (GCC Extension)
Create macros that return values safely.
### Basic Statement Expression
```c
#define MAX(a, b) ({ \
typeof(a) _a = (a); \
typeof(b) _b = (b); \
_a > _b ? _a : _b; \
})
int main(void) {
int x = 5, y = 10;
// Safe: expressions evaluated once
int max = MAX(x++, y++);
printf("max=%d, x=%d, y=%d\n", max, x, y);
// max=10, x=6, y=11 (each incremented once)
return 0;
}
```
### Complex Statement Expression
```c
#define SWAP(a, b) ({ \
typeof(a) _temp = a; \
a = b; \
b = _temp; \
_temp; \
})
int main(void) {
int x = 10, y = 20;
int old_x = SWAP(x, y);
printf("x=%d, y=%d, old_x=%d\n", x, y, old_x);
// x=20, y=10, old_x=10
return 0;
}
```
**Note:** Statement expressions are GCC/Clang extension, not standard C.
---
## 16.6 For-Loop Macro Trick
Create scope-based macros with automatic cleanup.
### Basic For-Loop Trick
```c
#define WITH_LOCK(mutex) \
for (int _i = (lock(mutex), 0); \
_i < 1; \
_i++, unlock(mutex))
// Usage
WITH_LOCK(&myMutex) {
// Critical section
// mutex automatically unlocked when block exits
}
```
### How It Works
```c
for (init; condition; increment) {
body
}
// 1. init runs once: lock mutex, set _i = 0
// 2. condition checked: _i < 1 is true (0 < 1)
// 3. body executes
// 4. increment runs: _i++, unlock mutex
// 5. condition checked: _i < 1 is false (1 < 1)
// 6. loop exits
```
**Clay Example** (from clay.h:2016):
```c
// Clay's famous CLAY() macro
#define CLAY(...) \
for (CLAY__ELEMENT_DEFINITION_LATCH = ( \
Clay__OpenElement(), \
Clay__ConfigureOpenElement(__VA_ARGS__), \
0 \
); \
CLAY__ELEMENT_DEFINITION_LATCH < 1; \
CLAY__ELEMENT_DEFINITION_LATCH = 1, Clay__CloseElement())
// Usage: automatically opens and closes elements
CLAY(CLAY_ID("Button"), CLAY_LAYOUT(...)) {
CLAY_TEXT(CLAY_STRING("Click me"), ...);
}
// Clay__CloseElement() called automatically
```
### Step-by-Step Breakdown
```c
// This code:
CLAY(config) {
// children
}
// Expands to:
for (CLAY__ELEMENT_DEFINITION_LATCH = (
Clay__OpenElement(), // 1. Open element
Clay__ConfigureOpenElement(config), // 2. Configure
0 // 3. Set latch to 0
);
CLAY__ELEMENT_DEFINITION_LATCH < 1; // 4. Check: 0 < 1 = true, enter loop
CLAY__ELEMENT_DEFINITION_LATCH = 1, Clay__CloseElement()) // 7. Set latch=1, close
{
// 5. User code runs (children)
}
// 6. Back to increment
// 8. Check condition: 1 < 1 = false, exit loop
```
---
## 16.7 Designated Initializers in Macros
C99 feature for clean initialization.
### Basic Designated Initializers
```c
typedef struct {
int x, y, z;
char *name;
} Data;
int main(void) {
// Order doesn't matter
Data d = {
.z = 30,
.name = "test",
.x = 10,
.y = 20
};
// Partial initialization (rest = 0/NULL)
Data d2 = {.x = 5};
return 0;
}
```
### Macros with Designated Initializers
```c
#define CREATE_POINT(x, y) \
(Point){.x = (x), .y = (y)}
#define CREATE_COLOR(r, g, b) \
(Color){.r = (r), .g = (g), .b = (b), .a = 255}
int main(void) {
Point p = CREATE_POINT(10, 20);
Color c = CREATE_COLOR(255, 0, 0);
return 0;
}
```
**Clay Example** (from clay.h):
```c
// Clean API with designated initializers
#define CLAY_LAYOUT(...) \
(Clay_LayoutConfig){__VA_ARGS__}
#define CLAY_SIZING_FIT(min, max) \
(Clay_Sizing){ \
.type = CLAY_SIZING_TYPE_FIT, \
.size = {.minMax = {.min = min, .max = max}} \
}
// Usage
Clay_LayoutConfig layout = CLAY_LAYOUT(
.sizing = {
.width = CLAY_SIZING_FIT(100, 500),
.height = CLAY_SIZING_GROW(0)
},
.padding = CLAY_PADDING_ALL(16),
.childGap = 8
);
```
---
## 16.8 Recursive Macros
Macros that appear to call themselves (with limitations).
### Deferred Expression
```c
#define EMPTY()
#define DEFER(x) x EMPTY()
#define EXPAND(...) __VA_ARGS__
#define A() 123
#define B() A()
// Direct expansion
int x = B(); // Expands to: A()
// Deferred expansion
int y = EXPAND(DEFER(B)()); // Expands to: 123
```
### Recursive List Processing
```c
// Limited recursion using deferred expansion
#define EVAL(...) EVAL1(EVAL1(EVAL1(__VA_ARGS__)))
#define EVAL1(...) EVAL2(EVAL2(EVAL2(__VA_ARGS__)))
#define EVAL2(...) EVAL3(EVAL3(EVAL3(__VA_ARGS__)))
#define EVAL3(...) EVAL4(EVAL4(EVAL4(__VA_ARGS__)))
#define EVAL4(...) __VA_ARGS__
#define EMPTY()
#define DEFER(x) x EMPTY()
#define OBSTRUCT(x) x DEFER(EMPTY)()
#define REPEAT(count, macro, ...) \
REPEAT_IMPL(count, macro, __VA_ARGS__)
// Complex implementation...
```
**Note:** True recursion is not possible in standard C preprocessor.
---
## 16.9 Macro Debugging
### Viewing Macro Expansion
```bash
# GCC/Clang: preprocess only
gcc -E program.c
gcc -E program.c | grep "main" # Filter output
# Save preprocessed output
gcc -E program.c -o program.i
# With line markers
gcc -E -P program.c # Remove line markers
```
### Debug Macros
```c
// Print macro expansion
#define SHOW(x) #x
#define EXPAND_SHOW(x) SHOW(x)
#define MY_MACRO(a, b) ((a) + (b))
#pragma message "MY_MACRO(1,2) = " EXPAND_SHOW(MY_MACRO(1, 2))
// Output: MY_MACRO(1,2) = ((1) + (2))
```
### Compile-Time Assertions
```c
// Static assertion
#define BUILD_BUG_ON(condition) \
((void)sizeof(char[1 - 2*!!(condition)]))
// C11 static_assert
_Static_assert(sizeof(int) == 4, "int must be 4 bytes");
```
**Clay Example:**
```c
// Clay uses assertions for debugging
#define CLAY__ASSERT(condition) \
do { \
if (!(condition)) { \
Clay__ErrorHandler(...); \
} \
} while(0)
```
---
## 16.10 Advanced Clay Macro Techniques
### Element Configuration
```c
// Multiple configuration macros
CLAY(
CLAY_ID("Panel"),
CLAY_LAYOUT({
.sizing = {
.width = CLAY_SIZING_GROW(0),
.height = CLAY_SIZING_FIXED(200)
},
.padding = CLAY_PADDING_ALL(16),
.childGap = 8
}),
CLAY_RECTANGLE_CONFIG({
.color = CLAY_COLOR(200, 200, 200, 255),
.cornerRadius = CLAY_CORNER_RADIUS_ALL(8)
}),
CLAY_BORDER_CONFIG({
.width = 2,
.color = CLAY_COLOR(100, 100, 100, 255)
})
) {
// Children
}
```
### ID Generation
```c
// String-based IDs
#define CLAY_ID(label) \
Clay__HashString(CLAY_STRING(label), 0, 0)
// Indexed IDs for lists
#define CLAY_IDI(label, index) \
Clay__HashString(CLAY_STRING(label), index, 0)
// Usage
for (int i = 0; i < itemCount; i++) {
CLAY(CLAY_IDI("ListItem", i)) {
// Item content
}
}
```
### Text Elements
```c
// Macro for text with configuration
#define CLAY_TEXT(text, config) \
Clay__OpenTextElement(text, config)
// Usage
CLAY_TEXT(
CLAY_STRING("Hello World"),
CLAY_TEXT_CONFIG({
.fontSize = 24,
.textColor = CLAY_COLOR(0, 0, 0, 255)
})
);
```
---
## 16.11 Complete Advanced Example
```c
#define CLAY_IMPLEMENTATION
#include "clay.h"
// Custom button macro
#define UI_BUTTON(id, text, onClick) \
CLAY( \
CLAY_ID(id), \
CLAY_LAYOUT({ \
.padding = CLAY_PADDING_ALL(12), \
.sizing = { \
.width = CLAY_SIZING_FIT(0, 0) \
} \
}), \
CLAY_RECTANGLE_CONFIG({ \
.color = CLAY_COLOR(70, 130, 180, 255), \
.cornerRadius = CLAY_CORNER_RADIUS_ALL(4) \
}) \
) { \
CLAY_TEXT( \
CLAY_STRING(text), \
CLAY_TEXT_CONFIG({ \
.fontSize = 16, \
.textColor = CLAY_COLOR(255, 255, 255, 255) \
}) \
); \
}
// Custom panel macro
#define UI_PANEL(id, ...) \
CLAY( \
CLAY_ID(id), \
CLAY_LAYOUT({ \
.padding = CLAY_PADDING_ALL(16), \
.childGap = 8, \
.layoutDirection = CLAY_TOP_TO_BOTTOM \
}), \
CLAY_RECTANGLE_CONFIG({ \
.color = CLAY_COLOR(240, 240, 240, 255) \
}) \
)
int main(void) {
Clay_BeginLayout();
UI_PANEL("MainPanel") {
CLAY_TEXT(
CLAY_STRING("Welcome"),
CLAY_TEXT_CONFIG({.fontSize = 32})
);
UI_BUTTON("SubmitBtn", "Submit", handleSubmit);
UI_BUTTON("CancelBtn", "Cancel", handleCancel);
}
Clay_RenderCommandArray commands = Clay_EndLayout();
return 0;
}
```
---
## 16.12 Key Concepts Learned
- ✅ Variadic macros with __VA_ARGS__
- ✅ X-Macros for code generation
- ✅ _Generic for type-based selection
- ✅ Compound literals for temporary values
- ✅ Statement expressions (GCC)
- ✅ For-loop macro trick for scope
- ✅ Designated initializers
- ✅ Recursive macro techniques
- ✅ Macro debugging methods
- ✅ Clay's advanced macro patterns
---
## Practice Exercises
1. Create a logging system with different log levels using variadic macros
2. Implement a state machine using X-Macros
3. Build a type-safe print function using _Generic
4. Design a resource manager with for-loop cleanup macros
5. Create a unit testing framework using macros
6. Implement a configurable array type with macros
7. Build a simple OOP system with macros
8. Create a domain-specific language using Clay-style macros

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@ -0,0 +1,812 @@
# Chapter 17: Memory Management in C
## Complete Guide with Clay Library Examples
---
## Table of Contents
1. Stack vs Heap Memory
2. malloc, calloc, realloc, free
3. Common Memory Errors
4. Memory Leaks and Detection
5. Arena Allocators
6. Memory Pools
7. Memory Alignment
8. Custom Allocators
9. Clay's Memory Strategy
10. Best Practices
---
## 17.1 Stack vs Heap Memory
### Stack Memory
**Characteristics:**
- ✅ Automatic allocation/deallocation
- ✅ Very fast (just moving stack pointer)
- ✅ Limited size (typically 1-8 MB)
- ✅ LIFO (Last In, First Out)
- ✅ Variables destroyed when function returns
```c
void function(void) {
int x = 10; // Stack
char buffer[100]; // Stack
float arr[50]; // Stack
} // All memory automatically freed here
```
### Heap Memory
**Characteristics:**
- Manual allocation with malloc/calloc
- Manual deallocation with free
- Slower than stack
- Large size available (GBs)
- Persists until explicitly freed
- Risk of memory leaks
```c
#include <stdlib.h>
void function(void) {
int *p = malloc(sizeof(int)); // Heap
*p = 10;
// ...
free(p); // Must manually free!
}
```
### Comparison
```c
void stackExample(void) {
int arr[1000]; // Stack: fast, automatic cleanup
// Use arr
} // Automatically freed
void heapExample(void) {
int *arr = malloc(1000 * sizeof(int)); // Heap: manual management
if (arr == NULL) {
// Handle error
return;
}
// Use arr
free(arr); // Must free manually
}
```
---
## 17.2 malloc, calloc, realloc, free
### malloc - Allocate Memory
```c
#include <stdlib.h>
int main(void) {
// Allocate 10 integers
int *arr = (int*)malloc(10 * sizeof(int));
if (arr == NULL) {
printf("Memory allocation failed!\n");
return 1;
}
// Memory is UNINITIALIZED (contains garbage)
for (int i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
arr[i] = i * 2;
}
free(arr); // Always free!
return 0;
}
```
### calloc - Allocate and Zero
```c
#include <stdlib.h>
int main(void) {
// Allocate 10 integers, initialized to 0
int *arr = (int*)calloc(10, sizeof(int));
if (arr == NULL) {
return 1;
}
// All elements are 0
for (int i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
printf("%d ", arr[i]); // 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
}
free(arr);
return 0;
}
```
**malloc vs calloc:**
- `malloc(n)`: Allocates n bytes, uninitialized
- `calloc(count, size)`: Allocates count*size bytes, zero-initialized
### realloc - Resize Memory
```c
#include <stdlib.h>
int main(void) {
// Allocate 10 integers
int *arr = malloc(10 * sizeof(int));
if (arr == NULL) return 1;
// Initialize
for (int i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
arr[i] = i;
}
// Need more space - resize to 20 integers
int *temp = realloc(arr, 20 * sizeof(int));
if (temp == NULL) {
// Realloc failed, original arr still valid
free(arr);
return 1;
}
arr = temp; // Update pointer
// First 10 elements preserved, last 10 uninitialized
free(arr);
return 0;
}
```
**realloc behavior:**
- May move data to new location
- Original contents preserved up to old size
- Returns NULL on failure (old pointer still valid)
- Can shrink or grow allocation
### free - Deallocate Memory
```c
int main(void) {
int *p = malloc(sizeof(int));
if (p != NULL) {
*p = 42;
// Use p
free(p); // Release memory
p = NULL; // Good practice: prevent dangling pointer
}
return 0;
}
```
---
## 17.3 Common Memory Errors
### 1. Memory Leak
```c
void leak(void) {
int *p = malloc(sizeof(int));
*p = 42;
// Forgot to free(p)!
} // Memory leaked!
int main(void) {
for (int i = 0; i < 1000; i++) {
leak(); // Leaks 4 bytes per iteration = 4KB total
}
return 0;
}
```
### 2. Use After Free
```c
int main(void) {
int *p = malloc(sizeof(int));
*p = 42;
free(p);
*p = 100; // UNDEFINED BEHAVIOR! Memory no longer owned
printf("%d\n", *p); // May crash or print garbage
return 0;
}
```
### 3. Double Free
```c
int main(void) {
int *p = malloc(sizeof(int));
free(p);
free(p); // CRASH! Double free
return 0;
}
```
### 4. Invalid Free
```c
int main(void) {
int x = 10;
int *p = &x; // Points to stack variable
free(p); // CRASH! Can only free heap memory
return 0;
}
```
### 5. Buffer Overflow
```c
int main(void) {
int *arr = malloc(10 * sizeof(int));
arr[15] = 100; // OUT OF BOUNDS! Undefined behavior
free(arr);
return 0;
}
```
### 6. Uninitialized Memory
```c
int main(void) {
int *p = malloc(sizeof(int));
printf("%d\n", *p); // Garbage value!
free(p);
return 0;
}
```
---
## 17.4 Memory Leaks and Detection
### Detecting Leaks with Valgrind
```bash
# Compile with debug symbols
gcc -g program.c -o program
# Run with Valgrind
valgrind --leak-check=full ./program
```
**Output example:**
```
HEAP SUMMARY:
in use at exit: 40 bytes in 1 blocks
total heap usage: 2 allocs, 1 frees, 1,064 bytes allocated
40 bytes in 1 blocks are definitely lost in loss record 1 of 1
at 0x: malloc
by 0x: main (program.c:10)
```
### Manual Leak Tracking
```c
#ifdef DEBUG
static size_t allocations = 0;
static size_t deallocations = 0;
#define MALLOC(size) \
(allocations++, malloc(size))
#define FREE(ptr) \
(deallocations++, free(ptr))
#define REPORT_LEAKS() \
printf("Allocations: %zu, Frees: %zu, Leaked: %zu\n", \
allocations, deallocations, allocations - deallocations)
#else
#define MALLOC(size) malloc(size)
#define FREE(ptr) free(ptr)
#define REPORT_LEAKS()
#endif
int main(void) {
int *p1 = MALLOC(sizeof(int));
int *p2 = MALLOC(sizeof(int));
FREE(p1);
// Forgot to free p2!
REPORT_LEAKS(); // Shows 1 leak
return 0;
}
```
---
## 17.5 Arena Allocators
Allocate from a pre-allocated buffer - fast and predictable.
### Basic Arena
```c
typedef struct {
char *memory;
size_t size;
size_t used;
} Arena;
void Arena_Init(Arena *arena, size_t size) {
arena->memory = malloc(size);
arena->size = size;
arena->used = 0;
}
void* Arena_Alloc(Arena *arena, size_t size) {
// Align to 8 bytes
size = (size + 7) & ~7;
if (arena->used + size > arena->size) {
return NULL; // Out of memory
}
void *ptr = arena->memory + arena->used;
arena->used += size;
return ptr;
}
void Arena_Free(Arena *arena) {
free(arena->memory); // Free everything at once
arena->used = 0;
}
void Arena_Reset(Arena *arena) {
arena->used = 0; // Reset without freeing
}
int main(void) {
Arena arena;
Arena_Init(&arena, 1024 * 1024); // 1MB
// Allocate from arena
int *arr1 = Arena_Alloc(&arena, 100 * sizeof(int));
float *arr2 = Arena_Alloc(&arena, 50 * sizeof(float));
// Use allocations...
// Free everything at once
Arena_Free(&arena);
return 0;
}
```
**Clay Example** (from clay.h:185):
```c
typedef struct {
uintptr_t nextAllocation;
size_t capacity;
char *memory;
} Clay_Arena;
void* Clay__Array_Allocate_Arena(
int32_t capacity,
uint32_t itemSize,
Clay_Arena *arena
) {
size_t totalSizeBytes = capacity * itemSize;
uintptr_t nextAllocation = arena->nextAllocation + totalSizeBytes;
if (nextAllocation <= arena->capacity) {
void *allocation = (void*)(arena->memory + arena->nextAllocation);
arena->nextAllocation = nextAllocation;
return allocation;
}
return NULL; // Out of memory
}
// Clay initializes arena once
Clay_Arena arena = {
.nextAllocation = 0,
.capacity = CLAY_MAX_ELEMENT_COUNT * sizeof(Clay_LayoutElement),
.memory = arenaMemory
};
// All allocations from arena - no malloc in hot path!
```
**Benefits:**
- ✅ Very fast allocation (just increment pointer)
- ✅ No fragmentation
- ✅ Bulk deallocation (free everything at once)
- ✅ Cache-friendly (linear memory)
- ✅ Predictable memory usage
---
## 17.6 Memory Pools
Pre-allocate objects of same size.
### Basic Pool
```c
#define POOL_SIZE 100
typedef struct Node {
int value;
struct Node *next;
} Node;
typedef struct {
Node nodes[POOL_SIZE];
Node *freeList;
int allocated;
} NodePool;
void Pool_Init(NodePool *pool) {
// Chain all nodes into free list
for (int i = 0; i < POOL_SIZE - 1; i++) {
pool->nodes[i].next = &pool->nodes[i + 1];
}
pool->nodes[POOL_SIZE - 1].next = NULL;
pool->freeList = &pool->nodes[0];
pool->allocated = 0;
}
Node* Pool_Alloc(NodePool *pool) {
if (pool->freeList == NULL) {
return NULL; // Pool exhausted
}
Node *node = pool->freeList;
pool->freeList = node->next;
pool->allocated++;
return node;
}
void Pool_Free(NodePool *pool, Node *node) {
node->next = pool->freeList;
pool->freeList = node;
pool->allocated--;
}
int main(void) {
NodePool pool;
Pool_Init(&pool);
// Allocate nodes
Node *n1 = Pool_Alloc(&pool);
Node *n2 = Pool_Alloc(&pool);
n1->value = 10;
n2->value = 20;
// Free nodes
Pool_Free(&pool, n1);
Pool_Free(&pool, n2);
return 0;
}
```
**Benefits:**
- ✅ Constant-time allocation/deallocation
- ✅ No fragmentation
- ✅ Good cache locality
- ✅ Predictable performance
---
## 17.7 Memory Alignment
CPUs prefer aligned memory access.
### Alignment Basics
```c
#include <stddef.h>
typedef struct {
char a; // 1 byte
// 3 bytes padding
int b; // 4 bytes (aligned to 4)
char c; // 1 byte
// 3 bytes padding
} Unaligned; // Total: 12 bytes
typedef struct {
int b; // 4 bytes
char a; // 1 byte
char c; // 1 byte
// 2 bytes padding
} Optimized; // Total: 8 bytes
int main(void) {
printf("Unaligned: %zu\n", sizeof(Unaligned)); // 12
printf("Optimized: %zu\n", sizeof(Optimized)); // 8
printf("Alignment of int: %zu\n", _Alignof(int)); // 4
printf("Alignment of double: %zu\n", _Alignof(double)); // 8
return 0;
}
```
### Manual Alignment
```c
// Align size to power of 2
size_t alignSize(size_t size, size_t alignment) {
return (size + alignment - 1) & ~(alignment - 1);
}
int main(void) {
size_t size = 25;
printf("Align to 8: %zu\n", alignSize(size, 8)); // 32
printf("Align to 16: %zu\n", alignSize(size, 16)); // 32
printf("Align to 32: %zu\n", alignSize(size, 32)); // 32
return 0;
}
```
### aligned_alloc (C11)
```c
#include <stdlib.h>
int main(void) {
// Allocate 1024 bytes aligned to 64-byte boundary
void *p = aligned_alloc(64, 1024);
if (p != NULL) {
// p is guaranteed to be 64-byte aligned
free(p);
}
return 0;
}
```
**Clay Example:**
```c
// Clay carefully orders struct members for optimal alignment
typedef struct {
float width, height; // 8 bytes total, 4-byte aligned
} Clay_Dimensions;
typedef struct {
Clay_Vector2 x, y; // 16 bytes total, 4-byte aligned
} Clay_BoundingBox;
// Compact and cache-friendly!
```
---
## 17.8 Custom Allocators
Create application-specific allocators.
### Debug Allocator
```c
typedef struct {
void *ptr;
size_t size;
const char *file;
int line;
} AllocationInfo;
#define MAX_ALLOCATIONS 1000
AllocationInfo allocations[MAX_ALLOCATIONS];
int allocationCount = 0;
void* debug_malloc(size_t size, const char *file, int line) {
void *ptr = malloc(size);
if (ptr != NULL && allocationCount < MAX_ALLOCATIONS) {
allocations[allocationCount++] = (AllocationInfo){
.ptr = ptr,
.size = size,
.file = file,
.line = line
};
}
return ptr;
}
void debug_free(void *ptr) {
// Remove from tracking
for (int i = 0; i < allocationCount; i++) {
if (allocations[i].ptr == ptr) {
allocations[i] = allocations[--allocationCount];
break;
}
}
free(ptr);
}
void report_leaks(void) {
printf("Memory leaks: %d allocations\n", allocationCount);
for (int i = 0; i < allocationCount; i++) {
printf(" %zu bytes at %s:%d\n",
allocations[i].size,
allocations[i].file,
allocations[i].line);
}
}
#define MALLOC(size) debug_malloc(size, __FILE__, __LINE__)
#define FREE(ptr) debug_free(ptr)
```
### Scratch Allocator
```c
typedef struct {
char buffer[4096];
size_t used;
} ScratchAllocator;
ScratchAllocator scratch = {0};
void* scratch_alloc(size_t size) {
if (scratch.used + size > sizeof(scratch.buffer)) {
return NULL;
}
void *ptr = scratch.buffer + scratch.used;
scratch.used += size;
return ptr;
}
void scratch_reset(void) {
scratch.used = 0;
}
// Use for temporary allocations
void process_frame(void) {
char *temp = scratch_alloc(1000);
// Use temp
scratch_reset(); // Free everything
}
```
---
## 17.9 Clay's Memory Strategy
**Key principles:**
1. **Arena Allocation**: All memory from pre-allocated arenas
2. **No malloc in Hot Path**: Allocations done at initialization
3. **Predictable Memory**: Know exactly how much is needed
4. **Cache-Friendly**: Linear memory layout
```c
// User provides memory
char arenaMemory[CLAY_MAX_ELEMENT_COUNT * sizeof(Clay_LayoutElement)];
Clay_Arena arena = {
.nextAllocation = 0,
.capacity = sizeof(arenaMemory),
.memory = arenaMemory
};
// Initialize Clay with arena
Clay_Initialize(arena, screenSize);
// Layout calculation uses only arena memory
Clay_BeginLayout();
// ... build UI
Clay_EndLayout(); // No allocations, just arena usage
// Can reset arena each frame if needed
arena.nextAllocation = 0;
```
---
## 17.10 Best Practices
### 1. Always Check malloc Return
```c
int *p = malloc(sizeof(int));
if (p == NULL) {
// Handle error!
return;
}
```
### 2. Free What You Allocate
```c
void function(void) {
int *p = malloc(sizeof(int));
// Use p
free(p); // Always free!
}
```
### 3. Set Pointers to NULL After Free
```c
free(p);
p = NULL; // Prevent use-after-free
```
### 4. Use sizeof on Variables
```c
int *p = malloc(sizeof(*p)); // Safer than sizeof(int)
```
### 5. Consider Arena Allocators
```c
// Instead of many small allocations
int *a = malloc(sizeof(int));
int *b = malloc(sizeof(int));
// ...lots of malloc/free
// Use arena for related allocations
Arena arena;
Arena_Init(&arena, 1024);
int *a = Arena_Alloc(&arena, sizeof(int));
int *b = Arena_Alloc(&arena, sizeof(int));
// Free all at once
Arena_Free(&arena);
```
### 6. Profile Memory Usage
```bash
valgrind --tool=massif ./program
ms_print massif.out.12345
```
---
## 17.11 Key Concepts Learned
- ✅ Stack vs heap memory
- ✅ malloc, calloc, realloc, free
- ✅ Common memory errors and prevention
- ✅ Memory leak detection
- ✅ Arena allocators for fast bulk allocation
- ✅ Memory pools for same-sized objects
- ✅ Memory alignment and optimization
- ✅ Custom allocators
- ✅ Clay's efficient memory strategy
- ✅ Best practices for memory management
---
## Practice Exercises
1. Implement a dynamic array that grows automatically
2. Create a garbage collector using reference counting
3. Build a memory debugger that tracks all allocations
4. Implement a slab allocator for kernel-style allocation
5. Create a stack allocator with save/restore points
6. Build a ring buffer allocator
7. Implement buddy allocation system
8. Create thread-safe memory pool