---
name: "explain_calloc_or_die"
section: "3"
platform: "linux"
package: "libexplain-dev"
version: "1.4.D001-16"
release: "Debian 13 (Trixie)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/explain_calloc_or_die"
---

# explain\_calloc\_or\_die(3)

Allocate and clear memory and report errors

## NAME

explain\_calloc\_or\_die - Allocate and clear memory and report errors

## SYNOPSIS

\#include \<libexplain/calloc.h\>

void \*explain\_calloc\_or\_die(size\_t nmemb, size\_t size);\
 void \*explain\_calloc\_on\_error(size\_t nmemb, size\_t size);

## DESCRIPTION

The **explain\_calloc\_or\_die** function is used to call the [*calloc*(3)](/calloc/3.md) system call. On failure an explanation will be printed to *stderr*, obtained from the [*explain\_calloc*(3)](/explain_calloc/3.md) function, and then the process terminates by calling `exit(EXIT_FAILURE)`.

The **explain\_calloc\_on\_error** function is used to call the [*calloc*(3)](/calloc/3.md) system call. On failure an explanation will be printed to *stderr*, obtained from the [*explain\_calloc*(3)](/explain_calloc/3.md) function, but still returns to the caller.

- *nmemb*

  The nmemb, exactly as to be passed to the [*calloc*(3)](/calloc/3.md) system call.

- *size*

  The size, exactly as to be passed to the [*calloc*(3)](/calloc/3.md) system call.

## RETURN VALUE

The **explain\_calloc\_or\_die** function only returns on success, see [*calloc*(3)](/calloc/3.md) for more information. On failure, prints an explanation and exits, it does not return.

The **explain\_calloc\_on\_error** function always returns the value return by the wrapped [*calloc*(3)](/calloc/3.md) system call.

## EXAMPLE

The **explain\_calloc\_or\_die** function is intended to be used in a fashion similar to the following example:

```
void *result = explain_calloc_or_die(nmemb, size);
```

## SEE ALSO

- [*calloc*(3)](/calloc/3.md)

  Allocate and clear memory

- [*explain\_calloc*(3)](/explain_calloc/3.md)

  explain [*calloc*(3)](/calloc/3.md) errors

- [*exit*(2)](/exit/2.md)

  terminate the calling process

## COPYRIGHT

libexplain version 1.4\
 Copyright (C) 2010 Peter Miller