Differences between malloc() and calloc()?

Question

Can anyone explain what is the difference between using malloc() and calloc() for dynamic memory allocation in C?

Answer 1

Try doing this: Allocate some memory using malloc like

char* pszKuchBhi ;
pszKuchBhi = malloc(10) ;
printf( "%s\n", pszKuchBhi ) ;  
// Will give some junk values as the memory allocated is not initialized and 
// was storing some garbage values

Now do the same while replacing malloc with calloc. See the difference.

char* pszKuchBhi ;
pszKuchBhi = calloc( 10, 1 ) ;
printf( "%s\n", pszKuchBhi ) ; 
//Will print nothing as the memory is initialized to 0

The memory assigned by calloc is initialized to 0. Its good for beginners to initialize the memory but performance-wise calloc is slow as it has to allocate and then initialize. For better clarification, you can always google the same question but better to experience it to have a look inside. You can also keep a watch on your memory to see it for yourself.