Thread: printf not working inside main scope

Hey guys, I just picked up k&r the other day and started learning C. Unfortunately, I've hit a snag early on. For some reason I can't get printf to work inside the main scope when sub-scopes are involved. I'll show you what I have (the following code is a simple word counter straight from the k&r text):

Code:

#include <stdio.h>

#define IN  1
#define OUT 0

main()
{
    int c, nl, nw, nc, state;

    state = OUT;
    nl = nw = nc = 0;
    while ((c = getchar()) != EOF) {
        ++nc;
        if (c == '\n')
            ++nl;
        if (c == ' ' || c == '\n' || c == '\t')
            state = OUT;
        else if (state == OUT) {
            state = IN;
            ++nw;
        }
    }
    printf("%d %d %d\n", nl, nw, nc);
}

If I move the printf function inside the sub-scope it becomes visible but it displays itself each time the loop runs and I end up with 10 or more instances of printf (depending on the input). As it is now, nothing is displayed after input. I had the same problem with an even simpler program (also from k&r). Am I missing something obvious?

I use code::blocks with mingw gcc if that makes any difference.

The program is looking for EOF (End Of File) on input and hence your loop never ends. Under Windows you could simulate the case by Ctrl+Z, on linux - Ctrl+D.

btw, K&R is not the best book for a complete novice.

Originally Posted by GL.Sam

The program is looking for EOF (End Of File) on input and hence your loop never ends. Under Windows you could simulate the case by Ctrl+Z, on linux - Ctrl+D.

btw, K&R is not the best book for a complete novice.

I have experience with assembly and c++, it's just been about five years and I'm rusty as heck :P but yeah k&r definitely doesn't go into much detail on EOF, haha.

Thanks guys, I'll be back with whatever stumps me next.