getch() / getche()

i was using getch() funtion and storing the result in a int variable. But it didn't work properly. I did an 'add watch' on the program to see what the int varibale was.
int num;
num = getch();

the add watch said num took on a value of 50 when i typed in the number 1, it also went to 49 when i typed in the number 2. Why can't getch() handle integers properly?

getch() returns the character you typed in. If you want the actual number value, try:

Code:

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int theNum;
theNum = getch( ) - '0';

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why the - '0'; part in
theNum = getch( ) - '0';
what is the - '0';

that causes the function to return the ASCII value of the character, hence a numerical value, rather than the alpha. Example, by this function if i enter "a" i would recieve from the function its numerical ASCII value which i think is 27...its too late i dont member the ASCII value.

Here's an ASCII table.

Say the user enters '4'. getch() will return 52. In order to get the actual number the user entered, subtract the ASCII value of 0 from it (48). 52-48=4

@Blanket: Try reading through the FAQ too.