char* new and delete [] error when a string is assigned

Question

I need a C++ refresher. Why does this gives a memory exception? ``` pear = new char[1024]; pear = "happy go lucky"; delete [] pear; // exception ```

Accepted Answer

```
pear = new char[1024];
```

Memory for 1024 character is allocated from heap and `pear` points to the start of it.

```
pear = "happy go lucky";
```

`pear` now points to the string literal which resides in the read-only segment and the previously allocated memory is leaked.

```
delete [] pear;
```

You try to free the read-only string, which is a undefined behaviour manifested as a runtime exception.

Solution