How do I declare an array of objects whose class has no default constructor?

Question

If a class has only one constructor with one parameter, how to declare an array? I know that vector is recommended in this case. For example, if I have a class

Answer 1

sbi had the best answer for plain arrays, but didn't give an example. So...

You should use placement new:

char *place = new char [sizeof(Foo) * 10000];
Foo *fooArray = reinterpret_cast(place);
for (unsigned int i = 0; i < 10000; ++i) {
    new (fooArray + i) Foo(i); // Call non-default constructor
}

Keep in mind that when using placement new, you are responsible for calling the objects' destructors -- the compiler won't do it for you:

// In some cleanup code somewhere ...
for (unsigned int i = 0; i < 10000; ++i) {
    fooArray[i].~Foo();
}

// Don't forget to delete the "place"
delete [] reinterpret_cast(fooArray);

This is about the only time you ever see a legitimate explicit call to a destructor.

NOTE: The first version of this had a subtle bug when deleting the "place". It's important to cast the "place" back to the same type that was newed. In other words, fooArray must be cast back to char * when deleting it. See the comments below for an explanation.