Missing C99 Features: Variable-Length Arrays

4/10 Low

C++ lacks variable-length arrays (VLAs) from C99, forcing developers to use heap allocation or fixed-size arrays as workarounds, adding complexity and runtime overhead for stack-based dynamic sizing.

C++C99
Category
compatibility
Workaround
solid
Freshness
persistent
Scope
language
Upstream
wontfix
Recurring
No

Sources

Collection History

Query: “What are the most common pain points with C++ for developers in 2025?”4/4/2026

Lack of C99 features, in particular: Variable-length arrays

Created: 4/4/2026Updated: 4/4/2026