Why should we use size_t in C?

Question

Why can't we just use an int or an unsigned short to store the size of a variable? Is it used just to improve the readability of the code?

Answer 1

size_t is typedef for unsigned int. Contrary to few answers mentioned here it is heavily used in C++ especially in C++ Standard Template Library (STL).

It's main purpose is to represent values that sementically cannot be / should not be negative for example length of a string or sizeof an array etc. A negative string length or negative size of an array makes no sense. Use of signed ints for these purposes indicates the values can go negative, although they may never.

- ~ swim ~

These posts might help you more.
https://www.sololearn.com/discuss/1923033/?ref=app
https://www.sololearn.com/discuss/2156436/?ref=app
https://www.sololearn.com/discuss/2262518/?ref=app
https://www.sololearn.com/discuss/974838/?ref=app
https://www.sololearn.com/discuss/2096677/?ref=app
https://www.sololearn.com/discuss/2671702/?ref=app
https://www.sololearn.com/discuss/2350252/?ref=app

Answer 2

Hey Calvin Thomas

size_t is an unsigned type. So, it cannot represent any negative values. You can use it when you are counting something, and are sure that it cannot be negative.😀

Answer 3

rkk and Thirt13n Thanks a lot!