How to pass Dynamic array of structures in c++? - c++

Question

I have created an array dynamically of structures and now i am willing to pass it to function.What is the correct method of doing it?What should i put in parameter of function in MAIN for doing it?
void function(Data *family)
{
//code
}
int main()
{
struct Data{
string name;
int age;
string dob;
};
Data *family = new Data[3];
function(Data); //ERROR in parameter i guess!
}

Answer 1

It is better to use more safe ways using std::vector or std::shared_ptr. Because it is easy to make a mistake when you use raw pointers.
If you really need to use raw pointer than you need fix your code:
#include <string>
#include <iostream>
// "Data" should be declared before declaration of "function" where "Data" is used as parameter
struct Data {
std::string name;
int age;
std::string dob;
};
void function(Data *family)
{
std::cout << "function called\n";
}
int main()
{
Data *family = new Data[3];
// fill all variables of array by valid data
function(family); // Pass variable "family" but not a type "Data"
delete[] family; // DON'T FORGET TO FREE RESOURCES
return 0; // Return a code to operating system according to program state
}

Answer 2

Every c++ programmer needs to learn std::vector, which is a dynamic array:
#include <vector>
struct Data{
string name;
int age;
string dob;
};
void function(const std::vector<Data>& family)
{
//code
}
int main()
{
auto family = std::vector<Data>(3);//family now contains 3 default constructed Data
function(family);
}

Answer 3

Not sure what actually what actually you are looking for, I guess you can try like this:
First define your structure outside from main so it would be accessible as function parameter. Then instead of Data pass object family to the function.
struct Data {
string name;
int age;
string dob;
};
void function(Data *family)
{
//code
}
int main()
{
Data *family = new Data[3];
function(family);
}