Input validation problem

Hi,

Very beginner here. I am trying to capture user input. Correct input would be in the form of the letter F followed by 3 digits. i.e. F103. Or the word 'quit' to move back to a higher menu.

So far I have been using:

Code:

---

#define FNUML 5

fgets(entry, FNUML, stdin);
while(getchar() != '\n')
  continue;

---

Later I compare the input to the proper format or to 'quit'. That part is working fine.

Where I have a problem is when the user enters something that is shorter than FNUML. i.e. F12 or ABC. Something that is shorter than 5 characters incl the newline. So fgets() is still waiting for one more input. I figured I could try to write my own version and just go character by character with a getchar() but I was hoping there was a better way.

It seems I am always spending more time with input validation than with anything else. I was trying to google this but most stuff I came up with discussed other problems. Sorry for a possible double post.

Thank you!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Huncowboy

Where I have a problem is when the user enters something that is shorter than FNUML. So fgets() is still waiting for one more input.

---

Nope. I ABSOLUTELY PROMISE you that is not how fgets works. The size parameter is just a maximum.

I am not 100% sure* about the cause of your confusion, but start by taking a look at this:

STDIN pitfalls

There are some thoughts about input validation at the end. More importantly, you should understand the first part (up to "Great. So what do I do about it?"). If you already do, say so, but I suspect your problem relates to this (it is the most common beginner issue on cboard).

* so let's say 75% ;)

I have read it once. But to make sure, I will have to read it again tomorrow when I have recharged my brain cells. Brb after coffee. Thanks for the help!

Ok. I have read it, I think I am understanding it. This was also covered in the text book. So I it seems my while loop, which is there to discard input longer than 5 is causing a problem. So the problem is if the input is too short fgets() swallows my \n and getchar() in the while loop is waiting until it sees an \n. But if input is too long this is not the case. Is that right?

Code:

---

#include <stdio.h>

int main(void)
{
    char entry[5];
    printf("\nEnter flight number: ");
        fgets(entry, 5, stdin);
        while(getchar() != '\n')
            continue;
}

---

So I guess I could put in a strlen after fgets to see how long the captured string is and if it is shorter than needed I will skip the while loop. Would that work? Is there a more elegant solution?