trouble with input redirection - C -

hey guys. i have a program i have to write for uni. i need some help if you have the time. i know this is basic stuff but i missed quite a few lectures, so i am behind. ( as a note arrays are not allowed in this specific homework).


here my code

Code:

---

#include <stdio.h>

int
main(int argc, char **argv) {
int junk, yy, mh, dd, hh, mn, ss;
double lat, lon, altitude, time;
scanf("%lf,%lf,%d,%lf,%lf,%4d-%2d-%2d,%2d:%2d:%2d",&lat, &lon, &junk, &altitude, &time, &yy, &mh, &dd, &hh, &mn, &ss);
printf(" Stage 1\n ========\n GPS trace commences:");
printf("%04d-%02d-%02d,%02d:%02d:%02d",yy, mh, dd, hh, mn, ss);
return 0;
}

---

when i input a single line of data it works. but when i ask it to search a text file and print the date/time of the first ROW of proper data, i always get weird values (image below):

http://i.imgur.com/MWfY9.jpg

I don't see any code that deals with any of the non-numeric text in your file, so that's why nothing good is being displayed. When you read files, you basically need to account for everything inside of them.

Check the return result of scanf()
It tells you how successful it was at parsing a line of data.

Whats the best way to tell the program to skip invalid input and keep searching the text file untill it finds the first valid entry. I was thinking a while loop, but i didnt know how to implement it.

Code:

---

char buff[BUFSIZ];
while ( fgets( buff, BUFSIZ, stdin ) != NULL ) {
  // do stuff
  // like use sscanf with your above format
  // and checking the return result for success
}

---

Thanks salem, but i dont think i am allowed to use arrays. Any other methods you know of?

You should still check the return result for success in what you already have. For anything that isn't good, you can adapt the ideas from this FAQ entry.

You can't use fgets() if no arrays are allowed.

Walk through the file, char by char. If the first char in the line of text is not a - (negative sign), or a digit, then use a while(char != '\n') loop to "walk through" the line, and get past the text lines.

If it IS a negative or a digit, then take each char in and "build" up the total number, stopping when you get to the comma, or a newline. Each digit will need to be * 10 + the new digit, as they are read in, using a loop. (base 10 numbering system).

I can see that you're stuck with yet another tutor who thinks that teaching people how to run begins with breaking their legs.

Just what is "don't use arrays" supposed to achieve - lessons in pointlessness and futility.

Anyway,

Code:

---

if ( scanf(/**/) == 7 ) {
} else {
  // ditch the rest of the crap on this line
  int ch;
  while ( (ch=getchar()) != EOF && ch != '\n' );
}

---

Oh, and I expect you to replace 7 with some suitable number.

Quote:

---

I can see that you're stuck with yet another tutor who thinks that teaching people how to run begins with breaking their legs.

---

Sublime.

Soma

thanks for everything guys. (especially salem). and i totally agree. i think its stupid that we cant use arrays. but oh well.