array of arrays passed as arguments results in bad c initializer

## The Dreaded "Bad C Initializer" with Array of Arrays Passed as Arguments: A Deep Dive

The "bad C initializer" error is a common frustration for C programmers, especially when dealing with multidimensional arrays (arrays of arrays) passed as arguments to functions. Understanding why this error occurs and how to correctly initialize and pass these structures is crucial for writing robust and efficient C code.

This tutorial will dissect the problem, explain the underlying concepts, and provide various solutions with detailed examples.

**Understanding the Problem: C Arrays and Memory Layout**

Before diving into the error itself, let's recap how C handles arrays and memory:

1. **Arrays as Contiguous Blocks:** C arrays are stored in contiguous blocks of memory. This means that elements of the array are placed next to each other in memory.

2. **No Array Type in Function Arguments:** C functions don't actually accept arrays directly as arguments. When you *seem* to pass an array, what you're actually passing is a *pointer* to the *first element* of that array. This is called "array decay."

3. **Multidimensional Arrays: Rows Stored Contiguously:** In a 2D array like `int myArray[3][4]`, you can visualize it as an array of 3 arrays, each containing 4 integers. The key is that the 4 integers of the first row (`myArray[0]`) are stored contiguously in memory, followed by the 4 integers of the second row (`myArray[1]`), and so on. This is *row-major order*.

4. **Initialization During Declaration is Special:** The `int myArray[3][4] = {{1,2,3,4}, {5,6,7,8}, {9,10,11,12}};` form of initialization is a special case only permitted when the array is *declared* and its size is known at compile time. This form directly places the initial values into the allocated memory block for the array. You *cannot* use this form for assignment after the array has been declared or inside a function to initialize an array passed as an argument.

**The "Bad C Initializer" Error Explai ...

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