This function allocates memory in which to store an array of data whose eventual size is unknown. It should be invoked whenever a new array size is determined and will appropriately increase the amount of memory allocated when necessary. In general, it will over-allocate in anticipation of future growth so that the amount of memory does not need adjusting on every invocation.

void $\ast$astGrow( void $\ast$ptr, size_t n, size_t size )

ptr

n

size

astGrow()

• When new memory is allocated, the existing contents are preserved.

• This function does not free memory once it is allocated, so the size allocated grows to accommodate the maximum size of the array (or " high water mark" ). Other memory handling routines may be used to free the memory (or alter its size) if necessary.

• If this function is invoked with the global error status set, or if it fails for any reason, the original pointer value is returned and the memory contents are unchanged.