In C++, when defining an array, you don’t have to specify its size if you directly initialize it with values. The compiler automatically determines the size based on the number of provided elements.
Omitting Array Size on Declaration
Instead of explicitly setting a size, you can let C++ infer it:
string bikeBrands[] = {"Yamaha", "Ducati", "Kawasaki"};This is equivalent to:
string bikeBrands[3] = {"Yamaha", "Ducati", "Kawasaki"};However, explicitly defining the array size is considered better practice, as it helps prevent potential errors.
Declaring an Array Without Initializing Elements
You can declare an array without specifying values immediately and assign them later:
string bikeBrands[5];bikeBrands[0] = "Yamaha";bikeBrands[1] = "Ducati";bikeBrands[2] = "Kawasaki";bikeBrands[3] = "Honda";bikeBrands[4] = "Harley-Davidson";Important: This approach only works if the array size is specified at the time of declaration.
Error When Omitting Size Without Initialization
If the array size isn’t provided, an error occurs:
string bikeBrands[]; // 
Error: Missing array sizebikeBrands[0] = "Yamaha";bikeBrands[1] = "Ducati";Error: "array size missing in 'bikeBrands'"
Fixed-Size Arrays vs. Dynamic-Size Vectors
In C++, arrays have a fixed size, meaning their capacity cannot change after declaration.
Fixed-Size Array Example
string bikeBrands[3] = {"Yamaha", "Ducati", "Kawasaki"};// Error: Cannot add another elementbikeBrands[3] = "Honda"; 