Yes, and the compiler knows that as well. GCC even merges the two versions because they're equivalent[0] My point is, if size is dynamic, this is a dangerous o

Yes, and the compiler knows that as well. GCC even merges the two versions because they're equivalent[0] My point is, if size is dynamic, this is a dangerous optimisation. [0] http://goo.gl/4Ev8as http://goo.gl/4Ev8as