When to use malloc for char pointers

Question

I\'m specifically focused on when to use malloc on char pointers

char *ptr;
ptr = \"something\";
...code...
...code...
ptr = \"something else\";

Answer 1

Everytime the size of the string is undetermined at compile time you have to allocate memory with malloc (or some equiviallent method). In your case you know the size of your strings at compile time (sizeof("something") and sizeof("something else")).