How to Fix the Process finished with exit code 138 Error in CLion

Learn how to resolve the `Process finished with exit code 138` error caused by bus errors in your C programs, especially when working with pointers. This beginner-friendly guide simplifies the diagnosis and solution process.
---

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: Process finished with exit code 138 CLion

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
Understanding the Exit Code 138 Error in CLion

If you're a newcomer to programming in C, encountering an error message like Process finished with exit code 138 can be frustrating. This error typically indicates that your program has run into a bus error—an issue related to illegal memory access. Let's dive deeper into what this means and how you can fix it, particularly when implementing functions that manipulate strings.

What Causes Exit Code 138?

The error 138, specifically caused by SIGBUS, is triggered by the program trying to access memory incorrectly. Possible reasons include:

Buffer overflows: Writing data outside the allocated region.

Accessing uninitialized pointers: Using pointers that haven’t been set to a valid memory location.

Using memory that has already been freed: Trying to access memory that your program has released back to the operating system.

Length mismatches: Trying to replace a string with another that is longer without accounting for the extra space needed.

Example of the Problematic Code

Here's the problematic C code snippet that might lead to exit code 138 when replacing a substring with another:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

How to Fix It

A better implementation involves safer memory handling and ensures that any replacement string does not exceed the space available. Below is a refined version of the censor function that addresses the issues:

Revised C Code

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Key Improvements Made

Memory Allocation: We allocate a new string with enough space to hold the modified version.

Using Valid Pointers: The code checks for strstr to find the position of the substring safely before performing any operations.

Preventing Buffer Overflows: This implementation wisely accounts for the length of the search and the replace strings.

Conclusion

Encountering Process finished with exit code 138 can be a common hurdle for beginners learning C. Understanding the causes and applying the revised code will help you effectively resolve related issues in your programming journey. As you work with pointers, always remember to validate memory access to prevent such errors from occurring.

Remember, practice is key, and soon enough, you'll navigate these coding challenges like a pro!