Thread: Problem accepting a character

  1. #1
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    Unhappy Problem accepting a character

    Hi,

    My environment is Visual C++ 6.0. On executing the below code, its not waiting for me to enter a character. After I enter a number, it goes directly to the printf statements. Please help...
    Code:
    #include <stdio.h>
    
    int main(int argc, char** argv)
    {
    	char c;
    	int d;
    	printf("Enter a no:\n");
    	scanf("%d",&d);
    	printf("Enter a character\n");
    	scanf("%c",&c);
    	printf("The number you entered is %d",d);
    	printf("The character you entered is %c",c);
            return 0;
    }

  2. #2
    Dr Dipshi++ mike_g's Avatar
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    Try this:
    Code:
    #include <stdio.h>
    
    int main(int argc, char** argv)
    {
    	char c;
    	int d;
    	printf("Enter a no:\n");
    	scanf("%d",&d);
    	printf("Enter a character\n");
    	getchar();
        scanf("%c",&c);
    	printf("The number you entered is %d",d);
    	printf("The character you entered is %c",c);
        getchar();
        return 0;
    }
    I stuck a couple of getchars in it. Basically your first scanf takes a number but leaves the '\n' character from when you hit enter in the input buffer. The second scanf looks at the input buffer, sees the '\n' and takes it. The getchar basically just flushes it.

  3. #3
    and the hat of int overfl Salem's Avatar
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    As described in the FAQ, scanf() has some hidden traps.

    Use fgets() to read a whole line into a buffer, then use sscanf() (or anything else) to parse the buffer for the information you require.

    This will minimise the number of "what happened to my input" questions.
    If you dance barefoot on the broken glass of undefined behaviour, you've got to expect the occasional cut.
    If at first you don't succeed, try writing your phone number on the exam paper.

  4. #4
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    Code:
    #include <stdio.h>
    
    int main(int argc, char** argv)
    {
    	char c;
    	int d;
    	printf("Enter a no:\n");
    	scanf("&#37;d",&d);
    	printf("Enter a character\n");
                    fflush(stdin);
                    scanf("%c",&c);
    	printf("The number you entered is %d",d);
    	printf("The character you entered is %c",c);
            return 0;
    }
    use fflush(stdin);
    before scanf("%c",&c)
    ur problem will be solved

  5. #5
    Just Lurking Dave_Sinkula's Avatar
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    7. It is easier to write an incorrect program than understand a correct one.
    40. There are two ways to write error-free programs; only the third one works.*

  6. #6
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    hey can u tell me why fflush is wrong??
    still it clears your problem??

  7. #7
    Just Lurking Dave_Sinkula's Avatar
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    Did you try clicking on the link I posted?
    7. It is easier to write an incorrect program than understand a correct one.
    40. There are two ways to write error-free programs; only the third one works.*

  8. #8
    and the hat of int overfl Salem's Avatar
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    > hey can u tell me why fflush is wrong??
    See the FAQ.

    > still it clears your problem??
    There is a big difference between the "works for me" behaviour you're observing with your compiler, and the behaviour guaranteed by the standard which every compiler will implement.
    If you dance barefoot on the broken glass of undefined behaviour, you've got to expect the occasional cut.
    If at first you don't succeed, try writing your phone number on the exam paper.

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