Thread: Editing output message of system("pause") ?

Hey guys,

Beginner here with a good headstart on C++.... Just wondering, I created a program that contains no loops... it is completely linear moving from start to finish. If the user wants to find the solution to certain info, he has to run the exe again to get it.

Essentially, I want to edit the message at the end I get (Press any key to continue...) to something different. Obviously, this system pause is a GOOD thing... I want the window to not close automatically so my users can interpret the information they recieve, but I don't want to imply that there is something to continue afterwards. My teacher suggests I inquire online, and bring any results you find to class.

I've got to agree with him when he says "If this is your pressing issue, then your not too bad off" LOL.

Not trying to over achieve here, I just take pride in my programs (even if they are simple cmd prompt progs....)

Thanks!
A.L.

Ok cool!

Essentially, my program requirements are to make a grading program that follows these guidelines:

2 grades must be input
If either of the two grades is below 40, the student automatically fails.
If the average of the grades is below 60, the student fails.
If the average of the grades is 60 to 90, inclusive, the student passes (without honors)
If the average of the grades is 91 or above, the student passes (WITH honors)

Now, I will take your feedback to my own benefit, however even though the assignment is not due until next week, I will not change any of the coding from this (for the sake of cheating/plagerism policy)..... I agreed to a contract of No cheating by enrolling in my University and I take it pretty seriously....

But please don't let that detour you from constructive criticism! I will read and interpret the possible changes/suggestions you make, and store that in the front of my head for the improvement in my own education!
So Dan, if your watching, I won't cheat! I promise. Feel free to compare what I post here to the final product!

Code:

#include <cstdlib>
#include <iostream>

using namespace std;

int main()
{
    double grade_one, grade_two, final_grade;
    
    cout << "MyLastName Grade-o-Matic v1.0" << endl << endl << endl;
    cout << "Please input the first score." << endl;
    cout << "Ensure there are no spaces or characters, only positive whole numbers." << endl;
    cin >> grade_one; 
    cout << endl << endl;
    cout << "Thank you.  You have input " << grade_one << " as the first grade." << endl;
    cout << "Please input the student's second score." << endl;
    cout << "Ensure there are no spaces or letters, only positive whole numbers." << endl;
    cin >> grade_two;
    cout << endl << endl;
    cout << "Thank you.  You have input " << grade_two << " as the second grade." << endl;
    
    final_grade = (grade_one + grade_two)/2;
    
    if((grade_one<=40)||(grade_two<=40)) //There is no need to calculate this because anything less than 40 on either grade is an automatic fail.
    {
    cout << "The student fails the course because one of the scores is below 40." << endl << endl;
    }
    else
    {
         if(final_grade < 60)
         {
         cout << "The student's final grade is " << final_grade << "." << endl;
         cout << "The student fails the course." << endl;
         }
         else
         {       
                 if((final_grade <= 90)&&(final_grade>=60))
                                 {
                                 cout << "The student's final grade is " << final_grade << "." << endl;
                                 cout << "The student passes the course WITHOUT honors." << endl << endl;
                                 }
                 else
                                 {
                                 cout << "The student's final grade is " << final_grade << "." << endl;
                                 cout << "The student passes the course WITH honors."  << endl << endl;
                                 }
         }
     }

    system("PAUSE");
    ;
}

Thanks for your help dwks!

Aye - pause > nul.

As mentioned, this isn't portable. Even if you only ever intend to run it on Windows, I think it's good practice to use standard language features... I'd definitely suggest having a look at the link dwks posted.

Your program looks like it'll do what it's meant to, but I do have a couple of comments:

Code:

    double grade_one, grade_two, final_grade;

You can use float here. Float is smaller (4 bytes compared to 8 bytes). It is less precise and has a smaller range but it is plenty for your program.

You could even use ints for grade_one and grade_two, but you'd always get an int out because this calculation chops off the fractional part:

Code:

final_grade = (grade_one + grade_two)/2;

This is because two ints added together divided by another int give you an int.
Using a cast:

Code:

final_grade = (static_cast<float>(grade_one + grade_two))/2;

Horrible but works:

Code:

    final_grade = (grade_one + grade_two)/2.0;

There's nothing to gain by using ints, but I just thought I'd mention it in case you tried to use them before and couldn't.


Other comment is:

Code:

    cout << "MyLastName Grade-o-Matic v1.0" << endl << endl << endl;

You know you can insert newlines with \n? You don't need to repeatedly use endl:

Code:

    cout << "MyLastName Grade-o-Matic v1.0\n\n" << endl;

It's still a good plan to have the last newline as an endl, as endl flushes the output buffer.

Thank you all for your feedback... It was VERY helpful!