I've been puzzled by this for a while. To test this out, I made a simple program that just creates a std::string variable and prints it out to the screen. However, it doesn't include <string.h>.
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main()
{
string name = "Test";
cout << name << endl;
return 0;
}
What confuses me is that this program compiles and runs perfectly. Right now I'm using the clang compiler that came with the XCode Developer Tools. Is this intended behavior? I hope this question isn't too ridiculous since I just started learning C++.
The reason you do not need to include the #include <string.h> header file is because when you include the #include <iostream> header file it includes std::string.
However, do not rely on it. What may work on your compiler may not work on another. Always include the proper header files.
To edit your example this is how you should use it:
#include <iostream>
#include <string>
int main()
{
std::string name = "Test";
std::cout << name << std::endl;
return 0;
}
Also note: why you should not use using namespace std;.
Why does my program compile successfully if I don't include <string.h>?
Because you don't use any definition / declaration from <string.h>.
program compiles and runs perfectly ... Is this intended behavior?
It is incidental behaviour.
There are no guarantees that one standard header wouldn't include other standard headers. It just so happens that <iostream> included <string> in this particular version of the standard library. Since there is no guarantee for this, it would be a mistake to rely on such transitive inclusion.
I am a beginner in C++. From what I understand, in order to use a name, we have to include the library that consist of that name. Thereafter, we can either prepend the name of the namespace or use the using keyword.
E.g.
Without using keyword:
std::cout << "Hello Word!" << std::endl;
With using keyword:
using namespace std;
cout << "Hello World!" << endl;
I saw a working code sample online that uses the isalpha name from the locale library in the std namespace. However, that sample does not use any of the methods mentioned above.
E.g.
#include <iostream>
#include <locale>
int main() {
std::cout << isalpha('a') << std::endl;
}
Could someone please explain to me why the code still works?
When you include a C++ header for a C library facility, that is, a header <cfoo> corresponding to a C header <foo.h>, then the names from the C library are declared in namespace std. However, additionally it is unspecified whether the names are also declared in the global namespace.
In your case it seems that they are. But you cannot rely on that, nor should you.
There are two correct variants, as follows:
// C++ header
#include <cctype>
int main()
{
return !std::isalpha('a');
}
// C header
#include <ctype.h>
int main()
{
return !isalpha('a');
}
A compiler is permitted to declare extra names beyond those specified by the Standard, but your code is not portable if it relies on such artefacts of the implementation.
Always include the correct headers for the functions you use, and you will avoid surprises.
Hi I am just starting to learn C++. I bought this big C++ for Dummies book and have been going through it. Its been really interesting so far but now I am stuck. I have been googling this problem, but to no avail. I am using I am using codeblocks 10.05 with GNU GCC.
I keep getting an error that says:
In function 'main':
undefined reference to 'SafeCracker(int)'
The code isn't complicated. I am just new and am extremely frustrated. I don't want to skip over this part; I want to know what is going on.
Main:
#include <iostream>
#include "safestuff.h"
using namespace std;
int main()
{
cout << "Surprise, surprise!" << endl;
cout << "The combination is (once again)" << endl;
cout << SafeCracker(12) << endl;
return 0;
}
Function:
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
string SafeCracker(int SafeID)
{
return "13-26-16";
}
Header:
using namespace std;
#ifndef SAFESTUFF_H_INCLUDED
#define SAFESTUFF_H_INCLUDED
string SafeCracker(int SafeID);
#endif // SAFESTUFF_H_INCLUDED
You are not compiling the second file you listed along with the first one. Try compiling directly with gcc to understand this.
assuming your files are named:
main.cpp
SafeCracker.cpp
safestuff.h
This is what you are doing
gcc main.cpp
While you should be doing this
gcc main.cpp SafeCracker.cpp
Also, SafeCracker.cpp should be including the header file as well, just for clarity. Any reasons why you have them separated?
On another note, from seeing Daniel Hu's answer, <iostream> is automatically including <string> for you. You should not depend on this functionality, and should instead include <string> in each file that uses strings.
(From comment below)
You're probably trying to build your main.cpp as a stand-alone file. This will leave SafeCracker.cpp uncompiled. What you need is create a project in Codeblocks and add all three files to it (both *.cpp files as well as the *.h file).
I think it's because you did not #include <string>
C++ has to import the string library to use strings or else everything is treated as char arrays.
I want to use "Dev-C++" for compile c++ codes.
So I download and install it, and write this code:
#include <iostream.h>
main () {
cout << "124";
}
but when I compiled it, it said:
In file included from
E:/Dev-Cpp/include/c++/3.4.2/backward/iostream.h:31,
from [myfile path]\Untitled1.cpp:1:
E:/Dev-Cpp/include/c++/3.4.2/backward/backward_warning.h:32:2:
warning: #warning This file includes
at least one deprecated or antiquated
header. Please consider using one of
the 32 headers found in section
17.4.1.2 of the C++ standard. Examples include substituting the header
for the header for C++ includes,
or instead of the
deprecated header . To
disable this warning use
-Wno-deprecated.
After I saw errors, I change my code to this code:
#include <iostream>
main () {
cout << "124";
}
but it said again that errors.
I compile first code easily in Turbo C++, BUT in Dev-C++ ...
What can I do?
First, make sure you write out the full definition of main, including the int return type. Leaving out the return type is an old, antiquated practice which doesn't fly these days.
Second, in the new-style headers—the ones missing the .h extension—the standard library is under the std namespace. There are two ways to make your program work:
1. Add an std:: qualifier to cout.
#include <iostream>
int main () {
std::cout << "124";
}
2. Add a using declaration to allow unqualified references to the std namespace.
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main () {
cout << "124";
}
Make sure you put int in front of main () {
I believe any C/C++ program's main() function is required by POSIX and the appropriate language standards to return an int (someone correct me if I'm wrong).
EDIT: Also, be sure to include using namespace std; above int main ().
I am working on the 'driver' part of my programing assignment and i keep getting this absurd error:
error C2065: 'cout' : undeclared identifier
I have even tried using the std::cout but I get another error that says:
IntelliSense: namespace "std" has no member "cout"
When I have declared using namespace std, included iostream and I even tried to use ostream
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main () {
cout << "hey" << endl;
return 0;
}
I'm using Visual Studio 2010 and running Windows 7. All of the .h files have using namespace std and include iostream and ostream.
In Visual Studio you must #include "stdafx.h" and be the first include of the cpp file. For instance:
These will not work.
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main () {
cout << "hey" << endl;
return 0;
}
#include <iostream>
#include "stdafx.h"
using namespace std;
int main () {
cout << "hey" << endl;
return 0;
}
This will do.
#include "stdafx.h"
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main () {
cout << "hey" << endl;
return 0;
}
Here is a great answer on what the stdafx.h header does.
write this code, it works perfectly..
#include "stdafx.h"
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main()
{
cout<<"Hello World!";
return 0;
}
I had same problem on Visual Studio C++ 2010. It's easy to fix. Above the main() function just replace the standard include lines with this below but with the pound symbol in front of the includes.
# include "stdafx.h"
# include <iostream>
using namespace std;
The include "stdafx.h" is ok
But you can't use cout unless you have included using namespace std
If you have not included namespace std you have to write std::cout instead of simple cout
If the only file you include is iostream and it still says undefined, then maybe iostream doesn't contain what it's supposed to. Is it possible that you have an empty file coincidentally named "iostream" in your project?
I have seen that if you use
#include <iostream.h>
then you will get the problem.
If you use
#include <iostream>
(notice - without the .h)
then you will not get the problem you mentioned.
If you started a project requiring the #include "stdafx.h" line, put it first.
I've seen similar things happen when I was using the .c file extension with C++ code. Other than that, I'd have to agree with everyone about a buggy installation. Does it work if you try to compile the project with an earlier release of VS? Try VC++ Express 2008. Its free on msdn.
Such a silly solution in my case:
// Example a
#include <iostream>
#include "stdafx.h"
The above was odered as per example a, when I changed it to resemble example b below...
// Example b
#include "stdafx.h"
#include <iostream>
My code compiled like a charm. Try it, guaranteed to work.
The code below compiles and runs properly for me using gcc. Try copy/pasting this and see if it works.
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int bob (int a) { cout << "hey" << endl; return 0; };
int main () {
int a = 1;
bob(a);
return 0;
}
I have VS2010, Beta 1 and Beta 2 (one on my work machine and one at home), and I've used std plenty without issues. Try typing:
std::
And see if Intellisense gives you anything. If it gives you the usual stuff (abort, abs, acos, etc.), except for cout, well then, that is quite a puzzler. Definitely look into your C++ headers in that case.
Beyond that, I would just add to make sure you're running a regular, empty project (not CLR, where Intellisense is crippled), and that you've actually attempted to build the project at least once. As I mentioned in a comment, VS2010 parses files once you've added an include; it could be that something stuck the parser and it didn't "find" cout right away. (In which case, try restarting VS maybe?)
Take the code
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
out of your .cpp file, create a header file and put this in the .h file. Then add
#include "whatever your header file is named.h"
at the top of your .cpp code. Then run it again.
I had the same issue when starting a ms c++ 2010 project from scratch - I removed all of the header files generated by ms and but used:
#include "stdafx.h"
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main() {
cout << "hey" << endl;
return 0;
}
I had to include stdafx.h as it caused an error not having it in.
Try it, it will work. I checked it in Windows XP, Visual Studio 2010 Express.
#include "stdafx.h"
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
void main( )
{
int i = 0;
cout << "Enter a number: ";
cin >> i;
}
before you begin this program get rid of all the code and do a simple hello world inside of main. Only include iostream and using namespace std;.
Little by little add to it to find your issue.
cout << "hi" << endl;
Are you sure it's compiling as C++? Check your file name (it should end in .cpp). Check your project settings.
There's simply nothing wrong with your program, and cout is in namespace std. Your installation of VS 2010 Beta 2 is defective, and I don't think it's just your installation.
I don't think VS 2010 is ready for C++ yet. The standard "Hello, World" program didn't work on Beta 1. I just tried creating a test Win32 console application, and the generated test.cpp file didn't have a main() function.
I've got a really, really bad feeling about VS 2010.
When you created your project, you did not set 'use precompiled headers' correctly. Change it in properties->C/C++->precompiled headers.
In Visual studio use all your header filer below "stdafx.h".
Just use printf!
Include stdio.h in your stdafx.h header file for printf.
Include the std library by inserting the following line at the top of your code:
using namespace std;
is normally stored in the C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio 8\VC\include folder. First check if it is still there. Then choose Tools + Options, Projects and Solutions, VC++ Directories, choose "Include files" in the "Show Directories for" combobox and double-check that $(VCInstallDir)include is on top of the list.
I ran across this error after just having installed vs 2010 and just trying to get a nearly identical program to work.
I've done vanilla C coding on unix-style boxes before, decided I'd play with this a bit myself.
The first program I tried was:
#include "stdafx.h"
int _tmain(int argc, _TCHAR* argv[])
{
cout << "Hello World!";
return 0;
}
The big thing to notice here... if you've EVER done any C coding,
int _tmain(int argc, _TCHAR* argv[])
Looks weird. it should be:
int main( int argc, char ** argv )
In my case I just changed the program to:
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main()
{
cout << "Hello world from VS 2010!\n";
return 0;
}
And it worked fine.
Note: Use CTRL + F5 so that the console window sticks around so you can see the results.
I came here because I had the same problem, but when I did #include "stdafx.h" it said it did not find that file.
What did the trick for me was: #include <algorithm>.
I use Microsoft Visual Studio 2008.
These are the things that you can use then, incl. 'count': Link
Had this problem, when header files declared "using namespace std;", seems to be confusing for GNU compiler;
anyway is bad style!
Solution was providing std::cout ... in headers and moving "using namespace std" to the implementation file.
In VS2017, stdafx.h seems to be replaced by pch.h see this article,
so use:
#include "pch.h"
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main() {
cout << "Enter 2 numbers:" << endl;
It was the compiler - I'm now using Eclipse Galileo and the program works like a wonder