Thread: Array (seperate inputs by comma)

Why do they need to be separated by a comma? Normally what you're doing would be the other way around - ask for the first name and last name then output them as 'last, first'.

You'd also only need <iostream> for that program (unless you were expecting anything other than alpha characters to be inputed).

The comma after the last name is what makes it a bit more difficult. If there was no comma (just a space), you could just do:

Code:

cin >> lastName;
cin >> firstName;

cout << firstName << " " << lastName << endl;

If you must read it in with the comma coming after the last name, then you might have to use something like a delimiter. This will read all the characters until the delimiter is read in.

Code:

char lastName[256];
cin.getline (lastName,256, ',')

So, that should read all the characters into lastName until the comma is reached. I think the string method is something like:

Code:

string lastName;
getline (cin,lastName, ',');

Using a delimiter should work, although, there might be an easier method to implement. I'm sure another forum member will mention it if there is.

Originally Posted by chuckwag0n

I'm not sure but this is what was asked... I'm guessing I need to identify the comma and the space as a split point? I have no sweet clue how to do this... do you know the other way around (ask for the first name and last name then output them as 'last, first')?

The "other" simpler way is a basic cin/cout program and would look like this:

Code:

#include <iostream>


int main()
{
    using namespace std;

    char name1[20], name2[20];

    cout << "Please enter your first name: ";
    cin >> name1;
    cout << "Please enter your last name: ";
    cin >> name2;

    cout << name2 << ", " << name1;

    return 0;
}

But if the assignment is to read the input as "Firstname, Lastname" then out from that then you'd need to take the input as a string and then manipulate it which is not the same as what is being done above. And "cin >>" does not accept ',' or ' '. What have you done so far on arrays?

Firstly, do not use char! Use proper C++ mechanics: that means use std::string.

Code:

#include <iostream>

int main()
{
    using namespace std;

    string first_name, last_name;

    cout << "Please enter your first name: ";
    cin >> first_name;
    cout << "Please enter your last name: ";
    cin >> last_name;

    cout << last_name << ", " << first_name;

    return 0;
}

chuckwag0n:
You need to upgrade your compiler from the stone age. Try Visual Studio Express. It's free.
Iostream.h is a header that no longer exists. Gone. Dead.
Implicit main is not allowed in C++ either. It must have a return type.

Originally Posted by BuzzBuzz

But if the assignment is to read the input as "Firstname, Lastname" then out from that then you'd need to take the input as a string and then manipulate it which is not the same as what is being done above. And "cin >>" does not accept ',' or ' '.

How does "cin >>" not accept ","?
Example:

Code:

cout << "Please enter your name (last, first): " << endl;
cin >> lastName;
cin >> firstName;

cout << lastName;

The value for lastName will be "lastName," instead of "lastName"; the comma will be stored as part of the name. I think it would be easiest to do something like:

Code:

getline(cin, lastName, ',');
cin.ignore();
getline(cin, firstName);

This is all assuming that the input must include the comma after the last name.

Originally Posted by Cpro

How does "cin >>" not accept ","?

It does, that was a mistake on my part.