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system("pause");

 
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system("pause");
pietra
19 Feb, 2007 - 01:07 PM
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I see this line often in main function in other's code examples. It's not that I don't know anything about C++, but my teacher never mentioned it. So I'm wondering what does it mean. I know it's an option because we used to write programs without it in our class. I'm just curious smile.gif
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Amadeus
RE: System("pause");
19 Feb, 2007 - 01:11 PM
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g++ -o drink whiskey.cpp
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The command in question allows for the execution of the pause.exe, which will hold a command window open so that the output of a program may be viewed. It is a common shortcut used in programming these days, but has it;s downfalls. most notably, the pause.exe is NOT available on all platforms, and is not part of the ANSI standards. It is platform specific, and could therefor cause a program to fail when ported to other platforms. i always recommend against it's use, as there are methods to accomplish the same effect that do meet standards.
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horace
RE: System("pause");
19 Feb, 2007 - 01:16 PM
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QUOTE(pietra @ 19 Feb, 2007 - 09:07 PM) *

I see this line often in main function in other's code examples. It's not that I don't know anything about C++, but my teacher never mentioned it. So I'm wondering what does it mean. I know it's an option because we used to write programs without it in our class. I'm just curious smile.gif

It runs the pause command (as though from a command line or batch file) which waits until the user presses any key, i.e.
http://www.computerhope.com/pausehlp.htm

for details of the system() function have a look at
http://www.cplusplus.com/reference/clibrar...lib/system.html
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GWatt
RE: System("pause");
19 Feb, 2007 - 02:01 PM
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Another option to use is getchar() It successfully pauses a program until <Enter> is pressed, and I have used it on Mac, Windows, and Linux.
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pietra
RE: System("pause");
19 Feb, 2007 - 02:40 PM
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Ah! I see. Comes in handy.

Amadeus, what other methods were you thinking about? getchar() like GWatt suggested?

GWatt, would you be so kind and give me an example for ust of getchar() for this?

Thank you for the answers.
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Amadeus
RE: System("pause");
19 Feb, 2007 - 03:26 PM
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g++ -o drink whiskey.cpp
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You can use getchar() simply as a one line command:

CODE

int main(void)
{
   printf("Program will be held open");
   getchar();
   return 0;
}

or
CODE

int main(void)
{
   char c;
   printf("Program will be held open");
   c=getchar();
   return 0;
}

Other methods include using cin.get() for C++, among others. Of course, with many of the alternatives, you have to ensure the buffer is not already holding a character, like a newline.

There are other methods discussed here:

http://www.dreamincode.net/forums/showtopic14563.htm
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pietra
RE: System("pause");
19 Feb, 2007 - 04:49 PM
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I get it, ty smile.gif
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