using special filenames for hardware devices eg-"prn" & "con"

I've been testing this program, but it doesn't work iether using "prn", "lpt1", or "con". I'm using windowsXP and Borland compiler. Any explainations?

Code:

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// ezprint.cpp
// demonstrates simple output to printer
#include <fstream>                //for file streams
using namespace std;

int main()
  {
  char* s1 = "\nToday's winning number is ";
  int  n1 = 17982;

  ofstream outfile;              //make a file
  outfile.open("PRN");          //open it for printer
//  outfile.open("con");          //open it for console
  outfile << s1 << n1 << endl;  //send data to printer
  outfile << '\x0C';            //formfeed to eject page
  return 0;
  }

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> Any explainations?
yeah, those were the DOS device names.

Since you're not even using DOS anymore (win32 consoles are not DOS either, despite initial similarity).

Nor did you say which version of borland compiler you're using.

...

And the Windows Device names are...

Quote:

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Salem-
Nor did you say which version of borland compiler you're using.

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Well, I'm using Borland C++ Builder 6.
The book explaination said that you should be able to run this
from a console-mode. You say this isn't so?

Quote:

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neandrake-
And the Windows Device names are...

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What are the windows device names?

DOS device names are still supported in Win2K, probably XP as well.

I have COM1 connected to COM2 via a null-modem adapter. I have HyperTerminal open on COM2 at 9600, 8N1. This application:

Code:

---

#include <iostream>
#include <fstream>
using namespace std;

int main()
{
    ofstream out("COM1");
    if (!out)
    {
        cerr << "Failed to open COM1" << endl;
        return 1;
    }//if

    out << "Hello World";
    out.close();

    return 0;
}//main

---

produced the text "Hello World" in the HyperTerminal window.

You can accomplish the same thing with:

Code:

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C:\>echo Hello World >> COM1

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- You can't open "CON" for output because it is an input device.
- "PRN" is just another name for "LPT1", so just use "LPTn" directly.
- You can test how things will look on the printer with "echo text >> LPT1" on the command line.

gg

I got your AIM msg, I was at class :/

I'd like to see the class though.

Posted it here.

gg

Codeplug-
Thank you.
I tried the example you provided, but that doesn't work either.
The echo command does work from the DOS prompt.

Code:

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c:\echo Hello World>>lpt1

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Quote:

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Originally posted by kes103
I tried the example you provided...

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Did you change COM1 to LPT1?
If so, then Borland's fstream implementation may not handle DOS device names properly.
Is there a file named "LPT1" that contains "Hello World" when you run my code with LPT1?

gg

gg-
Yes, I substituted LPT1 for COM1 in your code.
No, there is no LPT1 file created when I run your code.