Printing!

[CodeMonkey]

I tried this, and it didn't work. I also tried the C version, and I also tried "LPT1" instead of "PRN". But I cannot get anything to print! Maybe my drivers don't like console apps. Anyway, I'm in Windows98 with a BJC-3000 printer connected via LPT port. Here's the code:

int main(int argc, char* argv[])
{
	ofstream prnt("PRN");

	prnt << "\r HELLO FRIEND!" << '\f';

	prnt.close();
	
	return 0;
}

[face_master]

cool same printer as me!

[ammar]

I really hope somebody answers this question because it have been asked many times, and nobody answered it.

[DougDbug]

There are two problems...

These Canon printers will only work with their windows drivers. They don't work with DOS. (This means that you can't send them straight-ASCII.)

Even when I had a printer that would print from DOS, if I compiled the program as a console application, it wouldn't print.

So, you'll have to include windows.h and dig-up the prihter command. (I don't have Petzold's book with me.)

[elad]

console applications are really restricted windows programs simulating a DOS environment and not true DOS programs. (if you don't have a black background with white letters, you probably aren't programming in DOS (of course there are exceptions to that generalization). Thererfore, most (all?) compilers require console programs to use windows functions to print. If your compiler has the option of compiling as either DOS, console, Windows, or command line; choose DOS or command line. If you are using a console app and want to print directly, I wouldtry including windows.h and go from there . Alternatively, print to a text file and print from NotePad/WordPad/whatever, which is what I generally do.

[CodeMonkey]

Thank you, and you're right, but that just isn't enough. Is there any way to just communicate to a printer with DC's?

[elad]

sorry, I haven't gotten that far in my study of Windows API. There must be a way to do it. Maybe you can ask on the Windows board.

[ammar]

See...
This is one of the "no answer" queston, I saw this question many times and no body ever answered it!
I think somebody should give the answer, and maybe it can be added to the FAQ's, because it's really very common.

[elad]

The problem as I see it is that C++ does provide for direct printing, but only in DOS/lowest level code available in C/C++. When done in Windows, even if through a console "Window", then you need to use Windows API, and if through an Apple console window , then you need to use Apple API, and if through a Linux console window, then you need Linus API, etc. May not be true, but it fits the data/experience I have.

[Fordy]

Originally posted by ammar
See...
This is one of the "no answer" queston, I saw this question many times and no body ever answered it!
I think somebody should give the answer, and maybe it can be added to the FAQ's, because it's really very common.

You still cant find the answer!!?!! This has been answered so many times...do a search and you will find all sorts of info......but as its the season of goodwill....

CodeMonkey's example works fine for me on WinXP with a battered old cannon printer on LPT1........if you have a USB printern then I dont think it will work.....

There are various ways to do this, but if you are on windows then its best to do it properly and use the API (remember that these days there are often more than 1 printer and not all printers are on COM1 or LPT1 - there are network printers, Faxs...etc)......this code has a function that recieves a string and then opens the print dialog (that you all know) to chose which printer to send to (it can be USB...or even a fax...etc)....

#include <windows.h>
#include <commdlg.h>
#include <string>
#include <iostream>
//You must include comdlg32.lib for this to work

bool PrintIt(const std::string& str){

	PRINTDLG  pd = {0};
	pd.lStructSize = sizeof(PRINTDLG);
	pd.hwndOwner = HWND_DESKTOP;
	pd.Flags = PD_RETURNDC;
	pd.nCopies = 1;
	DOCINFO di = {sizeof(DOCINFO),"Printed by C++!",0};

	if(!PrintDlg(&pd))
		return false;

	if(StartDoc(pd.hDC,&di)>0 && StartPage(pd.hDC)>0){
		TextOut(pd.hDC,10,10,str.c_str(),str.length());
		EndPage(pd.hDC);
		EndDoc(pd.hDC); 
	}
	DeleteDC(pd.hDC);

	return true;
}


int main(int argc, char* argv[])
{
	if(PrintIt("Hello World"))
		std::cout << "Printed!";
		else std::cout << "Not Printed";
	
    return 0;
}

[face_master]

me thinks faq this should be placed in

[CodeMonkey]

Spank you, Fordy.

[CodeMonkey]

Might we be explaining what this means? I'm curious:

const std::string& str

std string? Is that a special type, lol?

[Fordy]

Originally posted by CodeMonkey
Might we be explaining what this means? I'm curious:

const std::string& str

std string? Is that a special type, lol?

the string class from the Standard C++ Library is part of namespace std (as are most types in that lib)

Oh...and you try spank me and I might be forced to kill you

[elad]

Hopefully:

codeMonkey's code will work in DOS mode using C++, but it won't work in console mode.

vVv's code will work in DOS mode using C or C++, but not in console mode.

Fordy's code will work in DOS or console mode.