C++ error when defining array

Question

Im trying to declare an array in C++ but i keep getting this error.

error C2440: 'initializing' : cannot convert from 'int *' to 'int []'

for this line

int b[] = new int[elements]; 

Full Code

int* reverseArray (int a[] ,int elements)
{
 int *pointer;
 int x= elements-1;
 int b[] = new int[elements];
 pointer=b[];
 for (int i= 0; i < elements; i++)
 {
 b[i] = a[x--];
 }
 return pointer;
}

• AJG85: You are asking for a memory leak even if you fix the allocation and swapping of values. Instead consider using std::vector<int>

Answer 1

new returns a pointer, so you should change

int b[] = new int[elements];

to

int* b = new int[elements];

and you should just remove pointer and simply return b, so

int* reverseArray (int a[] ,int elements)
{
 int x = elements-1;
 int* b = new int[elements];
 for (int i = 0; i < elements; ++i)
 b[i] = a[x--];
 return b;
}

But you should really consider using std::vector. If you use a std::vector, to reverse the array, you can simply use std::reverse from <algorithm>.

• Antarr Byrd: for pointer = b it throws cannot convert from 'int *[]' to 'int *'
• Antarr Byrd: i'm not allowed to use vectors...class assignment
• James Custer: @atbyrd In that case, keep them in mind for the future. I added a bit to my answer.
• Ed Swangren: @atbyrd: You didn't read carefully. You wrote int *b[], which is an array of pointers to int. new returns a pointer! You need to declare b as int *b

Answer 2

Use vectors - lot easier to use

• Ed Swangren: Ok, but this doesn't help a beginner understand anything, so -1. Understanding concepts is far more useful than being told to use a library (of course, he should use a vector, but that is tangential to the problem at hand).
• Ed Heal: I cannot put verbatim into the library. Just would not like to put that person that that person can achieve a lot more by using a library. I would have not quarrel or contempt if they want to ask any question.
• Ed Swangren: Ok, I just don't think this is a useful answer for a beginner.
• Ed Heal: @EdS. - I did give a link to the appropriate web site so that person can learn STL.
• lesderid: Very true, but this should be a comment (which someone else already posted), not an answer.