Getting stuck in an infinite loop - c++

Question

I had my program running smoothly, and then after commenting it and adding some final touches, it stopped working on me. The function that I am having problems with is using several objects/functions defined elsewhere, so I am just wondering if someone can affirm that my logic is correct and that the infinite loop is not a product of a syntax error. Thanks for your time, here is the problem I'm having:
If the cashier started a new order and wants to close his order, T is typed in. However, when trying to exit an order and loop back to the start of while(moreCustomers), nothing is happening. I am trying to exit the while(moreItems) loop by setting moreItems = false;, but after doing that, it gets stuck in the while(moreItems) loop and does not go back to while(moreCustomers). Does the syntax make sense, and should I be able to break the loop by setting moreItems = false;?
bool moreCustomers = true;
while (moreCustomers)
{
// get input to start new order or close register
drawInstruct("Enter N to start a new order or E to\n close the register.");
char* setFmt = "#"; // the input must be a letter
char input[7]; // char array that stores input from cashier
s.GetStr(xLeftCoord + 1, yTopCoord + 1, input, 1, setFmt, true);
for(int x = 1; x < 10; x++) // clear the input field
{
s.ClearScreenPos(x, 1);
}
if (input[0] == 'N') // if a new order is requested
{
bool moreItems = true;
while (moreItems)
{
getInput(input);
if(input[1]) // if input is not a single char
{
if (input[0] == 'M') // get the desired number of multiples for the current item and update the tape and display area accordingly
{
custTape.handleMultiples(atoi(input)); // adds multiples to tape
curVal = isUPC->price * (atoi(input)); // updates the current item price
drawDisplayArea(curVal); // updates the display area
}
else // invalid number of multiples, prompt for new multiple
{
drawInstruct("Invalid command. Please try again.");
s.Delay();
}
}
else if (input[0] == 'T') // close the order
{
drawInstruct("Order cancelled.");
s.Delay();
moreItems = false; // customer order is complete, exit loop
}
else // invalid command, get new input from the cashier
{
drawInstruct("Invalid command. Please try again.");
s.Delay();
}
}
}
else if (input[0] == 'E') // close the register
{
moreCustomers = false; // no more customers, exit the program
}
else // invalid command, get new input from the cashier
{
drawInstruct("Invalid Command. Please try again.");
s.Delay();
}
}
I can't exit else if(input[0] == 'T'), and any commands I enter in after moreItems = false; work correctly.

Answer 1

I'd set a breakpoint on the first moreItems = false; line to see if it is ever being hit. My guess is that it is not. You've tagged the question with Visual Studio, so if that is what you're using see this link for how to set a breakpoint:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/vstudio/k80ex6de%28v=vs.100%29.aspx
Basically a breakpoint causes your program to stop at that line. Also try setting a breakpoint on this line:
if (input[0] == 'N')
Run the program, press a key, and wait for the breakpoint to be hit. Then use the "Step Over" option on the Debug menu. This runs your program line by line, each time you press "Step Over" (F10 does this too, much quicker). Keep stepping to see what path of execution occurs through your code. You may also be able to hover over variables to see their values.
Theres loads on the net about debugging with visual studio, but if you master the above you'll be well away