C++ Programs Delete Operator

In C++, delete operator is used for dynamic memory allocation. It deallocates the memory allocated by the new operator. It frees the memory block pointed to by the given pointer.

Syntax

delete pointer;

Here, pointer is a pointer to a block of memory that was previously allocated using the new operator.

Example

#include<iostream> 
using namespace std; 
  
int main() 
{ 
    int *ptr = new int; 
    *ptr = 10; 
    cout << "Value of ptr: " << *ptr << endl; 
    delete ptr;
    return 0; 
}

Output

Value of ptr: 10

Explanation

In the above example, we have allocated a memory block of type int using the new operator and assigned a value of 10 to it. Then, we have used the delete operator to deallocate the memory block.

Use

The delete operator is used to free the memory allocated using the new operator. It should always be used to avoid memory leaks.

int main() 
{
    int *ptr = new int; 
    *ptr = 10; 
    // some code
    delete ptr;
    return 0; 
}

In the above example, the memory allocated to ptr is freed using the delete operator before the program terminates.

Important Points

• The delete operator deallocates the memory allocated by the new operator.
• It is used to free the memory block pointed to by the given pointer.
• The delete operator should always be used to avoid memory leaks.

Summary

In summary, the delete operator in C++ is used to deallocate memory allocated dynamically using the new operator. It frees the memory block pointed to by the given pointer. It is important to always use the delete operator to avoid memory leaks.