Is it possible to deallocate a statically defined array?

Question

Can you release the memory of an array defined with static allocation?

Answer 1

No, it is not possible to de-allocate statically allocated memory.

Depending on the language (for example C/C++, using pointers) you may be able to use the memory held by this array for other purposes, but doing so will only re-use the memory; memory won't be released per-se.

This said, this idea of reusing static memory for / with variables other than the variables originally defined there, is only suggested to help understand the nature of this type of allocation. In practical terms, and in particular as a novice, it makes absolutely no sense to have the need for such a feature:

• either the variable is expected to have a lifetime as long as the program
  at which case it should be declared static
• or the variable is not going to be needed at some time during program execution
  at which case it should be dynamically allocated (? shortly after/during program initialization) and released whenever appropriate.

Answer 2

No, static allocation means it's automatically allocated at the start of the program, and lives for the entire duration of the program, and then is automatically released at termination.