{{page>index}} ------- ===== Arrays ===== An array is a data type which describes an ordered collection of values. The values are accessed by their index. INDEX | VALUE -------------- 0 | value0 1 | value1 2 | value2 3 | value3 4 | value4 5 | value5 6 | value6 7 | value7 Eina provides 2 array types: the classic array and an inline array. === Table of Contents === * [[#Creating_and_Destroying_a_Classic_Array|Creating and Destroying a Classic Array]] * [[#To_create_an_array_to_store_strings|To create an array to store strings]] * [[#Modifying_Classic_Array_Content|Modifying Classic Array Content]] * [[#To_set_the_data_of_an_element|To set the data of an element]] * [[#To_add_elements_to_the_end_of_the_array|To add elements to the end of the array]] * [[#To_remove_the_last_element_of_an_array|To remove the last element of an array]] * [[#To_rebuild_the_array_by_specifying_the_data_to_be_kept|To rebuild the array by specifying the data to be kept]] * [[#To_completely_wipe_an_array_out|To completely wipe an array out]] * [[#To_empty_an_array_quickly|To empty an array quickly]] * [[#Accessing_Classic_Array_Data|Accessing Classic Array Data]] * [[#To_access_the_data_in_the_array|To access the data in the array]] * [[#To_get_the_number_of_elements_in_an_array|To get the number of elements in an array]] * [[#To_iterate_through_an_array|To iterate through an array]] * [[#Creating_and_Destroying_an_Inline_Array|Creating and Destroying an Inline Array]] * [[#Modifying_Inline_Array_Content|Modifying Inline Array Content]] * [[#To_add_data_as_the_last_element_of_the_inline_array|To add data as the last element of the inline array]] * [[#To_insert_data_to_a_given_position_of_the_inline_array|To insert data to a given position of the inline array]] * [[#To_insert_data_with_your_own_position_criteria|To insert data with your own position criteria]] * [[#To_remove_the_last_element_of_the_inline_array|To remove the last element of the inline array]] * [[#To_remove_specific_data_from_an_inline_array|To remove specific data from an inline array]] * [[#To_remove_data_from_a_defined_position_in_an_inline_array|To remove data from a defined position in an inline array]] * [[#To_remove_all_the_elements_of_the_array|To remove all the elements of the array]] * [[#To_replace_values_in_the_inline_array|To replace values in the inline array]] * [[#To_sort_an_inline_array|To sort an inline array]] * [[#Accessing_Inline_Array_Data|Accessing Inline Array Data]] * [[#To_search_a_member_in_an_inline_array|To search a member in an inline array]] * [[#To_get_the_number_of_elements_in_an_inline_array|To get the number of elements in an inline array]] * [[#To_iterate_through_an_inline_array|To iterate through an inline array]] * [[#To_remove_some_elements_based_on_your_own_criteria|To remove some elements based on your own criteria]] === Related Info === * [[https://build.enlightenment.org/job/nightly_efl_gcc_x86_64/lastSuccessfulBuild/artifact/doc/html/group__Eina__Array__Group.html|Array API]] * [[https://build.enlightenment.org/job/nightly_efl_gcc_x86_64/lastSuccessfulBuild/artifact/doc/html/group__Eina__Inline__Array__Group.html|Inline Array API]] ^ Array |[[https://build.enlightenment.org/job/nightly_efl_gcc_x86_64/lastSuccessfulBuild/artifact/doc/html/eina_array_01_8c-example.html|Array Example 1]]|[[https://build.enlightenment.org/job/nightly_efl_gcc_x86_64/lastSuccessfulBuild/artifact/doc/html/eina_array_02_8c-example.html|Array Example 2]]|| ^ Inline Array |[[https://build.enlightenment.org/job/nightly_efl_gcc_x86_64/lastSuccessfulBuild/artifact/doc/html/eina_inarray_01_8c-example.html|Inline Array Example 1]]|[[https://build.enlightenment.org/job/nightly_efl_gcc_x86_64/lastSuccessfulBuild/artifact/doc/html/eina_inarray_02_8c-example.html|Inline Array Example 2]]|[[https://build.enlightenment.org/job/nightly_efl_gcc_x86_64/lastSuccessfulBuild/artifact/doc/html/eina_inarray_02_8c-example.html|Inline Array Example 3]]| ==== Creating and Destroying a Classic Array ==== The ''eina_array_new()'' function creates a new array. You can store strings or objects in the created array. The function returns a new array, or if memory allocation fails, ''NULL''. The first parameter of the ''eina_array_new()'' function defines the size of the array allocation step. For example, if you set it to 4, the function returns an array of 4 elements and the next time you grow the array it grows by 4 elements. Unless you have pushed 4 elements inside, it does not grow. But once you add the 5th element, it grows again and becomes an array of 8 elements. The allocation step feature is very useful for optimizing performance, and it also reduces memory fragmentation by having a size that fits the array usage. If you set the step to 0, the function sets a default safe value. === To create an array to store strings === __**1**__. Create the array: // Strings to store in the array const char* strings[] = { "helo", "hera", "starbuck", "kat", "boomer", "hotdog", "longshot", "jammer", "crashdown", "hardball", "duck", "racetrack", "apolo", "husker", "freaker", "skulls", "bulldog", "flat top", "hammerhead", "gonzo" }; // Declaring the array (type Eina_Array) Eina_Array *array; unsigned int i; // Creating the array array = eina_array_new(20); // Inserting elements in the array for (i = 0; i < 20; i++) eina_array_push(array, strdup(strings[i])); __**2**__. To change the allocation step, use the ''eina_array_step_set()'' function: * The first parameter is the array you want to change. * The second parameter is the size of that specific array (retrieved with the ''sizeof()'' function). * The last parameter is the new step size. In this example, the array step changes from 20 to 30. eina_array_step_set(array, sizeof(*array), 30); __**3**__. When no longer used, use the ''eina_array_free()'' function to free the array. It first calls the ''eina_array_flush()'' function and frees the memory of the pointer. It does not free the memory allocated for the elements of the array. To free them, use a ''while'' statement with the ''eina_array_pop'' function. // Freeing the array elements while (eina_array_count(array)) free(eina_array_pop(array)); // Freeing the array itself eina_array_free(array); ==== Modifying Classic Array Content ==== === To set the data of an element === Use the ''eina_array_data_set()'' function. The first parameter is the array, the second is the index of the element you want to set, and the last one is the data. You must first get the related pointer if you need to free it, as this function replaces the previously held data. Be careful, as there is no array or index check. If the value is ''NULL'' or invalid, the application can crash. free(eina_array_data_get(array, 0)); eina_array_data_set(array, 0, strdup(strings[3]); === To add elements to the end of the array === Use the ''eina_array_push()'' function. The function returns ''EINA_TRUE'' on success, and ''EINA_FALSE'' on failure. The first parameter is the array to store the element, the second one is the data you want to store. If you store strings, remember to allocate the memory first. The example uses the ''strdup'' function to duplicate the string contained in ''strings[]''. This function allocates the memory of the returned string, so you do not have to do it yourself. for (i = 0; i < 20; i++) eina_array_push(array, strdup(strings[i])); === To remove the last element of an array === Use the ''eina_array_pop()'' function. It takes the array as a parameter, and if the operation is successful, returns a pointer to the data of the removed element. while (eina_array_count(array)) free(eina_array_pop(array)); === To rebuild the array by specifying the data to be kept === Use the ''eina_array_remove()'' function: * The first parameter is the array to be changed. * The second parameter is the function which selects the data to keep in the rebuilt array. * The last parameter is the data to pass to the selector function defined as the second parameter. The selector function has to return an ''Eina_Bool'', ''EINA_TRUE'' if the element stays, and ''EINA_FALSE'' if it has to be removed. The following example shows how to remove all the elements of the array that are longer than 5. // Selector function Eina_Bool keep(void *data, void *gdata) { if (strlen((const char*)data) <= 5) return EINA_TRUE; return EINA_FALSE; } int remove_array() { Eina_Array *array; Eina_Array_Iterator iterator; const char *item; unsigned int i; // Creating and populating an array // Removing the undesired elements eina_array_remove(array, keep, NULL); // Flushing and freeing the array return 0; } === To completely wipe an array out === Use the ''eina_array_flush()'' function. This function sets the count and total members of an array to 0, and frees and sets its data members to ''NULL''. For performance reasons, there is no array check. If the value is ''NULL'' or invalid, the program can crash. The only parameter of this function is a pointer to the ''Eina_Array'' array you want to flush. eina_array_flush(array); === To empty an array quickly === Use the ''eina_array_clean()'' function. This function sets the counting of members in the array to 0. It does not free any space so you have to use it carefully. For performance reasons, there is no array check. If the value is ''NULL'' or invalid, the program can crash. eina_array_clean(array); ==== Accessing Classic Array Data ==== === To access the data in the array === Use the ''eina_array_data_get()'' function with the array and the index of the element you want to get. The function returns a pointer to the data. // Getting the data of the first element char *mydata; mydata = eina_array_data_get(array, 0); === To get the number of elements in an array === Use the ''eina_array_count()'' function. The first parameter is a pointer to the array variable returned by the ''eina_array_new()'' function. The function returns the number of elements. unsigned int nb_elm; nb_elm = eina_array_count(array); === To iterate through an array === You can use various methods: * Use the ''Eina_Array'' iterator called ''ITER_NEXT''. \\ \\ You can use the iterator by calling the macro ''EINA_ARRAY_ITER_NEXT()''. It takes the array to iterate as the first parameter, a counter for the current index during the iteration, and a variable of the same type as the item data and an ''Eina_Iterator''. To use it, declare an ''Eina_Iterator'', an ''int'' counter, and, for example, a ''char *'' item if your array contains any strings. Eina_Array_Iterator iterator; const char *item; unsigned int i; EINA_ARRAY_ITER_NEXT(array, i, item, iterator) printf("item #%d: %s\n", i, item); * Use the ''eina_array_foreach()'' function to iterate over the array. \\ \\ The first parameter is the array to iterate, the second is a callback function which determines whether the iteration can continue,and the last is the data passed to the callback function. \\ \\ To iterate over the array and to print the data of each array element: // Callback function static Eina_Bool elm_print(const void *container, void *data, void *fdata) { printf("%s\n", (char *)data); return EINA_TRUE; } int iterating_array() { Eina_Array *array; unsigned int i; // Creating and populating an array // Iterating over the array and calling elm_print on each element eina_array_foreach(array, elm_print, NULL); // Freeing the element data and array return 0; } * Use the ''eina_array_iterator_new()'' function to create an iterator for the array. \\ \\ The function returns a newly allocated iterator associated with the array. If the array is ''NULL'' or the count of the array members is less than or equal to 0, the function returns ''NULL''. If the memory cannot be allocated, ''NULL'' is returned and ''EINA_ERROR_OUT_OF_MEMORY'' is thrown. Otherwise, a valid iterator is returned. \\ \\ Pass to this function the array for which you want to create a new iterator. The iterator is used to run a sequential walk through the array, just like the ''eina_array_foreach()'' function. \\ \\ To create an iterator and use it to print the data of each array element: static Eina_Bool print_one(const void *container, void *data, void *fdata) { printf("%s\n", (char*)data); return EINA_TRUE; } int new_iterator() { Eina_Array *array; Eina_Iterator *it; unsigned short int i; void *uninteresting; Eina_Bool rt; // Creating and populating an array it = eina_array_iterator_new(array); it = eina_iterator_next(it, &uninteresting); eina_iterator_foreach(it, print_one, NULL); eina_iterator_free(it); return 0; } * Use the ''eina_array_accessor_new()'' function to get random access to the array elements. \\ \\ The function returns a newly allocated accessor associated with the array. If the array is ''NULL'' or the counting of array members is less than or equal to 0, this function returns ''NULL''. If the memory cannot be allocated, ''NULL'' is returned and ''EINA_ERROR_OUT_OF_MEMORY'' is thrown. Otherwise, a valid accessor is returned. \\ \\ To use the accessor to retrieve and print the data of every other array element: int random_access() { Eina_Array *array; // Declaration of the array Eina_Accessor *acc; // Declaration of the accessor unsigned short int i; // Generic counter void *data; // Variable to put the data retrieved from an array element // Creating and populating an array // Creating the array accessor acc = eina_array_accessor_new(array); // Random access to the data of the array elements for(i = 1; i < 10; i += 2) { // Putting the data in the variable 'data' eina_accessor_data_get(acc, i, &data); printf("%s\n", (const char *)data); } eina_accessor_free(acc); // Freeing the accessor // Freeing the array return 0; } ==== Creating and Destroying an Inline Array ==== An inline array is a container that stores the data itself, not the pointers to the data. This means there is no memory fragmentation, and for small data types, such as char, short, and int, it is more memory-efficient. This is because the data is stored in the cache and is faster to access. The bigger the data gets, however, the less likely it is and the less interesting it becomes. To create an inline array, use the ''eina_inarray_new()'' function: * The first parameter is the size of the value. In this example, only the characters are stored, and because of that, only ''sizeof(char)'' is passed to the function. * The second parameter defines the size of the array allocation step. For example, if you set it to 4, the function returns an inline array of 4 elements, and the next time you grow the inline array, it grows by 4 elements and becomes an array of 8 elements. If you set the step to 0, the function sets a default safe value. \\ \\ The step can be changed later on using the ''eina_inarray_step_set()'' function. The ''eina_inarray_new()'' function returns a pointer to the new ''Eina_Inarray'' variable. int inline_array() { Eina_Inarray *iarr; // Declare an inline array variable of the type Eina_Inarray iarr = eina_inarray_new(sizeof(char), 0); // Create an inline array of "char" eina_inarray_free(iarr); // When no longer needed, free the array memory return 0; } ==== Modifying Inline Array Content ==== === To add data as the last element of the inline array === Use the ''eina_inarray_push()'' function. The first parameter is a pointer to the array variable returned by the ''eina_inarray_new()'' function. The second parameter is the data you want to push to the inline array. If everything runs fine, the function returns the index of the new element. If something goes wrong, it returns ''-1''. ch = 'a'; eina_inarray_push(iarr, &ch); === To insert data to a given position of the inline array === Use the ''eina_inarray_insert_at()'' function: * The first parameter is a pointer to the array variable returned by the ''eina_inarray_new()'' function. * The second parameter is the index of the element you want to add to the inline array. * The last parameter is a pointer to the content to be added. The content of the pointer is copied to the given position in the inline array. All the members from the position to the end of the array are shifted towards the end. If the position is equal to the end of the array, the member is appended. If the position is bigger than the array length, the function fails. ch = 'a'; eina_inarray_push(iarr, &ch); ch = 'b'; eina_inarray_push(iarr, &ch); ch = 'd'; eina_inarray_push(iarr, &ch); // Adding data on position 3 ch = 'c'; eina_inarray_insert_at(iarr, 2, &ch) === To insert data with your own position criteria === Use the ''eina_inarray_insert()'' or ''eina_inarray_insert_sorted()'' function. The only difference between these functions is that the ''eina_inarray_insert_sorted()'' function assumes that the array is already sorted and consequently optimizes the insertion position by doing a binary search. In both functions: * The first parameter is a pointer to the array variable returned by the ''eina_inarray_new()'' function. * The second parameter is the data you want to push to the inline array. * The last parameter is the callback comparison function. \\ \\ The ''Eina_Compare_Cb'' callback function compares data1 and data2. data1 is the value contained in the inline array and data2 is the data you pass to the ''eina_inarray_insert()'' or ''eina_inarray_insert_sorted()'' function as the second parameter. If data1 is less than data2, -1 must be returned, if it is greater, 1 must be returned, and if they are equal, 0 must be returned. The following example shows how to insert a value before a greater value: // Defining the comparison function with the position criteria Eina_Compare_Cb cmp(const void *a, const void *b) { return *(int*)a > *(int*)b; } int inline_insert() { Eina_Inarray *iarr; char ch, *ch3; int a, *b; // Creating an inline array // Adding data to the inline array a = 97; eina_inarray_push(iarr, &a); a = 98; eina_inarray_push(iarr, &a); a = 100; eina_inarray_push(iarr, &a); // Inserting data with the criteria a = 99; eina_inarray_insert_sorted(iarr, &a, cmp); eina_inarray_free(iarr); } === To remove the last element of the inline array === Use the ''eina_inarray_pop()'' function. The only parameter is a pointer to the array variable returned by the ''eina_inarray_new()'' function. This function returns the data removed from the inline array. eina_inarray_pop(iarr); === To remove specific data from an inline array === Use the ''eina_inarray_remove()'' function. The first parameter is a pointer to the array variable returned by the ''eina_inarray_new()'' function. The second parameter is the data you want to remove from the inline array. The ''eina_inarray_remove()'' function finds the data and removes the matching members from the array. The data can be an existing member of an inline array for optimized usage. In other cases, the content is matched using the ''memcmp()'' function. The ''eina_inarray_remove()'' function returns the index of the removed member, or -1 if failed. iarr = eina_inarray_new(sizeof(char), 0); ch = 'a'; eina_inarray_push(iarr, &ch); // Removing data from the array eina_inarray_remove(iarr, &ch); === To remove data from a defined position in an inline array === Use the ''eina_inarray_remove_at()'' function. The first parameter is a pointer to the array variable returned by the ''eina_inarray_new()'' function. The second parameter is the index of the element you want to remove from the inline array. The function returns ''EINA_TRUE'' on success and ''EINA_FALSE'' if something goes wrong. The member is removed from the inline array and any members after it are moved towards the array's head. // Removing data from position 2 eina_inarray_remove_at(iarr, 2); === To remove all the elements of the array === Use the ''eina_inarray_flush()'' function. The first parameter is a pointer to the array variable returned by the ''eina_inarray_new()'' function. The function removes every member from the array. eina_inarray_flush(iarr); === To replace values in the inline array === Use the ''eina_inarray_replace_at()'' function, which copies the data over the given position: * The first parameter is a pointer to the array variable returned by the ''eina_inarray_new()'' function. * The second parameter is the index of the element you want to remove from the inline array. * The last parameter is the data you want to copy in place of the current data. The function returns ''EINA_TRUE'' on success, and ''EINA_FALSE'' on failure. The given pointer content is copied to the given position in the array. The pointer is not referenced, instead its contents are copied to the member's array using the previously defined ''member_size''. If the position does not exist, the function fails. // Replacing the member at position 3 ch = 'd'; eina_inarray_replace_at(iarr, 3, &ch); === To sort an inline array === Use the ''eina_inarray_sort()'' function, which applies a quick sorting algorithm to the inline array: * The first parameter is a pointer to the array returned by the ''eina_inarray_new()'' function. * The last parameter is the ''Eina_Compare_Cb'' callback comparison function, which compares data1 and data2. \\ \\ data1 and data2 are values contained in the inline array. If the data matches, the function must return 0, if data1 is less than data2, -1 must be returned and if it is greater, 1 must be returned. static int short_cmp(const void *pa, const void *pb) { const short *a = pa, *b = pb; return *a - *b; } int sorting_inline_array() { Eina_Inarray *array; int i; // Creating and populating the inline array eina_inarray_sort(array, short_cmp); eina_inarray_free(array); } Be careful, the data given to the compare function is the pointer to the member memory itself. Do not change it. ==== Accessing Inline Array Data ==== === To search a member in an inline array === Use the ''eina_inarray_search()'' function that runs a linear walk looking for the given data: * The first parameter is a pointer to the array variable returned by the ''eina_inarray_new()'' function. * The second parameter is the data used by the callback function to run the comparison. * The last parameter is the ''Eina_Compare_Cb'' callback comparison function, which compares data1 and data2. \\ \\ data1 is the value contained in the inline array and data2 is the data you pass to the ''eina_inarray_search()'' function as the second parameter. If the data matches, the function must return 0, if data1 is less than data2, -1 must be returned and if it is greater, 1 must be returned. The function returns the member index, or -1 if not found. Eina_Compare_Cb compare(const void *pa, const void *pb) { const short *a = pa, *b = pb; if (*a == *b) return EINA_TRUE; return EINA_FALSE; } int search_inline_array() { Eina_Inarray *array; int i; int elm_index; int to_search = 3; // Creating and populating the inline array elm_index = eina_inarray_search(array, &to_search, compare); eina_inarray_free(array); } Be careful, the data given to the compare function is the pointer to the member memory itself. Do not change it. The ''eina_inarray_search_sorted()'' function does exactly the same as ''eina_inarray_search()'', but uses a binary search for the given data. === To get the number of elements in an inline array === Use the ''eina_inarray_count()''. The first parameter is a pointer to the array returned by the ''eina_inarray_new()'' function. The function returns an ''unsigned int'', the number of elements. printf("Inline array of integers with %d elements:\n", eina_inarray_count(iarr)); === To iterate through an inline array === You can use various methods: * You can use the iterator macros for the inline arrays: ''FOREACH'' and ''REVERSE_FOREACH''. * To run a linear walk over an array of elements, use the ''EINA_INARRAY_FOREACH()'' macro. The first parameter is a pointer to the array variable returned by ''eina_inarray_new()'', and the second parameter is the variable into which the current value is put during the walk. The ''EINA_INARRAY_REVERSE_FOREACH()'' macro does the same thing but starts from the last element. \\ \\ The following example illustrates the printing of each element and its pointer: iarr = eina_inarray_new(sizeof(char), 0); int a, *b; a = 97; eina_inarray_push(iarr, &a); a = 98; eina_inarray_push(iarr, &a); a = 99; eina_inarray_push(iarr, &a); EINA_INARRAY_FOREACH(iarr, b) printf("int: %d(pointer: %p)\n", *b, b); * To process the array data, use the ''eina_inarray_foreach()'' function, which invokes the given function on each element of the array with the given data: * The first parameter is a pointer to the array variable returned by ''eina_inarray_new()''. * The second parameter is the function to run on each element. \\ \\ The function must return ''EINA_TRUE'' as long as you want to continue iterating. By returning ''EINA_FALSE'', you stop the iteration and make the ''eina_inarray_foreach()'' function return ''EINA_FALSE''. \\ \\ The data given to the function is the pointer to the member itself. * The last parameter is the data passed to the function called on each element. The ''eina_inarray_foreach()'' function returns ''EINA_TRUE'' if it successfully iterates through all items of the array. Call the function for every given data in the array. This is a safe way to iterate over an array. static Eina_Bool array_foreach(const void *array __UNUSED__, void *p, void *user_data __UNUSED__) { short *member = p; int *i = user_data; (*p)++; (*i)++; return EINA_TRUE; } int inline_array_foreach() { Eina_Inarray *iarr; iarr = eina_inarray_new(sizeof(char), 1); int i; for (i = 0; i < numbers_count; i++) { short val = i; eina_inarray_push(iarr, &val); } i = 0; eina_inarray_foreach(iarr, array_foreach, &i); eina_inarray_free(iarr); return 0; } === To remove some elements based on your own criteria === Use the ''eina_inarray_foreach_remove()'' function, which walks through the array and, if the value matches in the callback function, removes the element: * The first parameter is a pointer to the array returned by ''eina_inarray_new()'' function. * The second parameter is the callback function to run on each element. \\ \\ The callback function returns ''EINA_TRUE'' if the value matches, or ''EINA_FALSE'' if it does not match. * The last parameter is the data passed to the callback function. The function returns the number of removed entries or -1 if something goes wrong. static Eina_Bool array_foreach(const void *array __UNUSED__, void *p, void *user_data __UNUSED__) { short *member = p; int *i = user_data; if (*i == *p) return EINA_TRUE; return EINA_FALSE; } int inline_array_foreach_remove() { Eina_Inarray *iarr; iarr = eina_inarray_new(sizeof(char), 1); int i; for (i = 0; i < numbers_count; i++) { short val = i; eina_inarray_push(iarr, &val); } i = 6; eina_inarray_foreach_remove(iarr, array_foreach, &i); eina_inarray_free(iarr); return 0; } ------- {{page>index}}