Storing Objects in txt files?

Hi,

I'm creating a program which stores information, lets say about cars in a text file.

Up until now, I've only read and wrote to text files using variables, for example:

cars.txt:

Code:

Ford Mondeo 5 25.25
Vauxhall Vectra 5 10.10

And I would open a stream to write and read to the file.

But now I'm using an OO approach and am unsure on how to write objects to the text file, eg:


Function to create a new object:

Code:

void createAcar()
{
cars car1;
car1.manufacturer = Ford;
car1.model = Mondeo;
car1.door = 5;
car1.mpg = 25.25
}

How would I store the object in the text file? At the moment I'm trying:

Code:

carTextFile >> car1; //carTextFile is the name of the stream

But Visual Studio says " 'carTextFile' : undeclared identifier ".

I'm thinking this is due to scope, but am wondering if my method of storing the objects in the text file is way off.

Thanks for any advice

<< and >> are OK for storing objects in text form. Your problem has nothing to do with that.

'carTextFile' : undeclared identifier

Check the spelling of carTextFile, and where it is declared.
Can you show the operator << you wrote for cars?

btw, an object that holds the information about a car should not be plural. Use the plural form for the name of the container that holds more than one of them.

Originally Posted by CornedBee

<< and >> are OK for storing objects in text form. Your problem has nothing to do with that.

Oh that's good to know, at least I'm familiar with how that works.

I'm unsure where my mistake maybe above, maybe my using strings? That is something I have to look at.

Many thanks for your advice, it's a 'weight of my mind'.

Originally Posted by iMalc

Check the spelling of carTextFile, and where it is declared.

A scope issue?

Can you show the operator << you wrote for cars?

I cannot right now, just putting the basic code together at the moment and wanted to be sure my methods would at least work, even if in a bad implementation.

btw, an object that holds the information about a car should not be plural. Use the plural form for the name of the container that holds more than one of them.

Noted, many thanks!