Thread: Remove trailing whitespace

The two approaches that come to mind:

Code:

char message[20];
fgets(message, 20, stdin);
int stringLen = strlen(message);
while(stringLen > 0 && isspace (s[stringLen -1])){
stringLen--;
}
message[stringLen] = '\0';

and

Code:

char message[20];
fgets(message, 20, stdin);
int stringLen = strlen(message);
while(message[stringLen] == ' ' || message[stringLen] == '\t'){
stringLen--;
}
message[stringLen++] = '\0';

I know I can just use the first approach but I'm wondering why the second approach isn't working, it doesn't remove any trailing whitespace.

Originally Posted by Salem

Because isspace() also matches with \n, which is the typical last character of the line returned by fgets().

Does this match white space and newline at the same time. I am trying to understand what you meant by the quoted statement. Your explanation will be of help. Thanks

Code:

int main(void)
{
char space = '\t';
if(isspace(space))
{
printf("Found a space\n\n");
}

return(0);
}

The isspace() function tests for all whitespace, which includes the space, tab, newline, vertical tab, formfeed, and carriage return characters.

Originally Posted by Salem

Did you run the program to find out?


Have you read the manual page for isspace() ?

It prints out the message found space. While practicing this morning i read in a book about some of the function in ctype and i worked with isspace only to find you talking about it.
I did not get your explanation right hence the i asked the question seeking explanation.

I have not read the manual for isspace.

Originally Posted by jimblumberg

The isspace() function tests for all whitespace, which includes the space, tab, newline, vertical tab, formfeed, and carriage return characters.

Thanks got the explanation. Is there a link online to the manual pages for all functions in the ctype library.

Originally Posted by splitfunc0

Thanks got the explanation. Is there a link online to the manual pages for all functions in the ctype library.

Use the man system, on Linux, or online, to view ctype.h functions, and all C functions.

You can also use Google to search "man isspace" or "man 3 isspace" for any function that can also be used on the command line or in a bash script, such as printf(), on Linux.