Someone explain me why this isn't working!

This program is supposed to put a "%" on the screen then move it around when the user presses keys.
a: left
s: right
w: up
z: down
It doesn't work. The program just puts another "%" right next to the other one.

#include <iostream.h>
#include <conio.h>

char key;
int x = 35, y = 18;

int main(){
key = getch();

for(;;){
gotoxy(x,y);
cout << "%";

getch();
switch(key){
case 'a':
x--;
break;
case 's':
x++;
break;
case 'w':
y--;
break;
case 'z':
y++;
break;
}
}
}

You have to erase the old % by printing out a space right after the input but before you change x or y.

In the switch statement, right before x--, x++, y--, or y++, put cout << "\b";

well I geuss it doesn't display much at all but if you keep pressing enough keys it will draw a pattern of %'s

a couple of problems....

1) you dont erase the old %

2) cout is buffered...... That means that nothing is written to the screen until cout's internal buffer is full. You need to flush the buffer like this....

cout << "%"<<flush;

#include <iostream.h>
#include <conio.h>

char key;
int x = 1, y = 1;

int main(){
key = getch();

for(;;){
clrscr();
gotoxy(x,y);
cout << "%" << flush;

getch();
switch(key){
case 'a':
cout << '\b'; --x;
break;
case 's':
cout << '\b'; ++x;
break;
case 'w':
cout << '\b'; --y;
break;
case 'z':
cout << '\b'; ++y;
break;
}
}
}

id you problem that each time the "%" moves the it remains in the previous position and creates a new one also?

have you tried clearing the screen?

#include <iostream.h>
#include <conio.h>

char key;
int x = 1, y = 1;

int main(){
clrscr();
for(;;){

gotoxy(x,y);
cout << "%" << flush;

key=getch();
switch(key){
case 'a':
cout << '\b'; --x;
break;
case 's':
cout << '\b'; ++x;
break;
case 'w':
cout << '\b'; --y;
break;
case 'z':
cout << '\b'; ++y;
break;
}
}
}

How do i get rid of the annoying little _?

if you are using a console and not dos then read this.....

SetConsoleCursorInfo
The SetConsoleCursorInfo function sets the size and visibility of the cursor for the specified console screen buffer.

BOOL SetConsoleCursorInfo(
HANDLE hConsoleOutput, // handle to console screen buffer
CONST CONSOLE_CURSOR_INFO *lpConsoleCursorInfo
// address of cursor information
);

Parameters
hConsoleOutput
Handle to a console screen buffer. The handle must have GENERIC_WRITE access.
lpConsoleCursorInfo
Pointer to a CONSOLE_CURSOR_INFO structure containing the new specifications for the screen buffer's cursor.
Return Values
If the function succeeds, the return value is nonzero.

If the function fails, the return value is zero. To get extended error information, call GetLastError.

Remarks
When a screen buffer's cursor is visible, its appearance can vary, ranging from completely filling a character cell to showing up as a horizontal line at the bottom of the cell. The dwSize member of the CONSOLE_CURSOR_INFO structure specifies the percentage of a character cell that is filled by the cursor. If this member is less than 1 or greater than 100, SetConsoleCursorInfo fails.

CONSOLE_CURSOR_INFO
The CONSOLE_CURSOR_INFO structure contains information about the console cursor.

typedef struct _CONSOLE_CURSOR_INFO { // cci
DWORD dwSize;
BOOL bVisible;
} CONSOLE_CURSOR_INFO, *PCONSOLE_CURSOR_INFO;

Members
dwSize
Specifies a number between 1 and 100, indicating the percentage of the character cell that is filled by the cursor. The cursor appearance varies, ranging from completely filling the cell to showing up as a horizontal line at the bottom of the cell.
bVisible
Specifies the visibility of the cursor. If the cursor is visible, this member is TRUE.

you mean the Cursor?

Yeah a cursor.

wel if ya do heres how do make the console cursor dissapear

Code:

---

CONSOLE_CURSOR_INFO cci;

cci.bVisible = FALSE;

HANDLE hConsole = GetStdHandle(STD_OUTPUT_HANDLE);

SetConsoleCursorInfo(hConsole,&cci);

---

that should do it.

didn't even see your reply stoned simultanious posts what are the odds?

It don't work!

you mean the cursor stays or do you get compiler errors?

see if SetConsoleCursorInfo(hConsole,&cci); returns true.

compiler error

whats the error?

Is there another way of doing this?

not that i know of... whats the error?

It says that cci isn't declared or something.

have you #include<windows.h>

try this first #include <windows.h>

if thats not it then your gonna have to copy and paste the error(s) or something i need more exact info on the error.

once again stoned...hah

DJGPP doesn't have windows.h :(. I need another compiler!!!

ummm.... i don't um... know what to tell you then...

use dev-c its free from bloodshed.net

I've been trying to find out where to get Borland C++ Compiler. I've registered and validated. Now where do i go?