Thread: c_str()

Hi

Just reading up on c_str() and notice that it returns a pointer to a c string.

So, for example, if I want to use this to obtain a string from a stringstream, would I use :
const char* p = ss.c_str(); or
string p = ss.c_Str(); ?

Both work, however because c_str() returns a pointer should I be using the former solution?

Thanks.

Originally Posted by grumpy

The two lines have different effects, so the right choice depends on what you want to do.

If you need a C-style string, the first is the way to go. Note that p should not then be used in any way after any subsequent operation that changes ss.

If you need p to be a C++ string (std::string) copy of ss the second has that net effect (assuming the contents of ss are equivalent to a C-style string) but is more effectively done without a temporary C-style string as;

Code:

   string p = ss;

Right, thanks, I understand now.