What is the difference between new and malloc?
PICTURE THIS: RAG CHATBOT
Simple meaning
Malloc is C, no constructors, returns void pointer.
WHY — Memory instead of guessing?
Why interviewers care about Memory:
contrast on Memory, not two memorised paragraphs.
the developer, then one case where picking wrong hurts.
Name the idea, why it exists, then one short example.
End with when you use it and one common pitfall.
STEPS — What happens step by step?
Before you speak the answer, walk the interviewer through these steps:
- 1Malloc is C, no
constructors, returns void pointer.
- 2New is typed, calls
constructors, and can throw.
- 3Mixing malloc with delete
is undefined.
- 4In C++ I almost
never malloc unless I talk to a C API.
- 5Common mistake
What juniors usually get wrong.
- 6Close
When you pick this over the alternative.
EXAMPLE — See it in action
Here's a short line you can speak, broken into clear beats:
Note: Adapt this scaffold to your own project — keep it under 60–90 seconds.
Key takeaway
Malloc is C, no constructors, returns void pointer. New is typed, calls constructors, and can throw.