memcpy and memmove in C: solved overlap exercise

memcpy and memmove in C: solved overlap exercise

This exercise is scheduled for daily publication and follows the same didactic structure used across the site: clear statement, compilable code, and expected output.

Problem statement

Implement a practical example of the topic and validate the output in the console.

C solution

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#include <stdio.h>
#include <string.h>

int main(void) {
    char txt[] = "abcdef";

    memcpy(txt, txt + 2, 3);
    txt[3] = '\0';
    printf("Tras memcpy (solapado, no seguro): %s\n", txt);

    char txt2[] = "abcdef";
    memmove(txt2, txt2 + 2, 3);
    txt2[3] = '\0';
    printf("Tras memmove (solapado, seguro): %s\n", txt2);
    return 0;
}

Expected output

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Tras memmove (solapado, seguro): cde

Common mistakes

  • Not validating input and standard-library return values.
  • Ignoring edge cases (buffers, limits, null pointers).
  • Skipping basic compile/run verification.

Practical use

memcpy and memmove are essential for buffer copying, structure serialization, and efficient memory block handling.

Guided practice and full book

If you want a complete path with progressive difficulty:

FAQ

Is this exercise useful for C exams and technical interviews?

Yes. It targets patterns that commonly appear in practice assignments, technical interviews, and C programming exams.

Where can I keep practicing with more solved C exercises?

In Programming in C in 100 Solved Exercises and C Exercises. Kindle Unlimited: View on Amazon.

How should I practice this exercise type to improve faster?

Start with small inputs, run edge cases (empty, one item, max capacity), then rewrite the solution from scratch without copying.