1. Home
  2. Computing & Technology
  3. Linux
Linux / Unix Command: asprintf
Command Library

NAME

asprintf, vasprintf - print to allocated string  

SYNOPSIS

#define _GNU_SOURCE
#include <stdio.h>

int asprintf(char **strp, const char *fmt, ...);

int vasprintf(char **strp, const char *fmt, va_list ap);  

DESCRIPTION

The functions asprintf and vasprintf are analogues of sprintf and vsprintf, except that they allocate a string large enough to hold the output including the terminating NUL, and return a pointer to it via the first parameter. This pointer should be passed to free(3) to release the allocated storage when it is no longer needed.  

RETURN VALUE

When successful, these functions return the number of bytes printed, just like sprintf(3). If memory allocation wasn't possible, or some other error occurs, these functions will return -1, and the contents of strp is undefined.  

SEE ALSO

free(3), malloc(3), printf(3)


Important: Use the man command (% man) to see how a command is used on your particular computer.

>> Linux/Unix Command Library

>> Shell Command Library

Explore Linux
About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Family Tech Center

Stay connected and entertained with reviews on tips on the latest HDTVs, cellphones and more. More >

  1. Home
  2. Computing & Technology
  3. Linux

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.