How to use pointers with strings?

Question

I know my question is not specific but let me explain it this code

char name[5][30];
for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++)
    cin >> name[i];

for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++)
    cout<<name[i];

in the example above i created an array of characters where you can input five words each with 30 bit length. and it works just fine but when i try to use a pointer like so when you don't know how many words you are about to input. I get an error in line 5 saying a value of type int cant be asigned to char and i understand the error but how how to get pass this problem?

int n;
cout << "Number of names" << endl;
cin >> n;
int *name;
name = new char[n][30];
for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++){
    cin >> *name;
    name++;

}

for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++){
    cout << *name;
    name++;
}

How exactly do you expect an uninitialized name to automatically point to your new-ed array? — Sam Varshavchik
– Sam Varshavchik, Commented Nov 17, 2016 at 13:35
Is there any reason why you don't want to use std::vector (variable-length array) and std::string? — MikeCAT
– MikeCAT, Commented Nov 17, 2016 at 13:38
Why is name an int* in the second example? IIn what way does it make sense for a name to be an int? — NathanOliver
– NathanOliver, Commented Nov 17, 2016 at 13:39
As a C++ novice you should learn about std::vector and std::string first, and about pointers and new forty seventh. — n. m. could be an AI
– n. m. could be an AI, Commented Nov 17, 2016 at 13:45

MikeCAT · Accepted Answer · 2016-11-18 14:26:09Z

3

Use char, not int.
Incrementing name doesn't seem good idea because it have to be returned to the first element before printing. I used array indexing operator.
I guess n input & output should be done instead of fixed 5 input & output.

    int n;
    cout << "Number of names" << endl;
    cin >> n;
    char (*name)[30];
    name = new char[n][30];
    for (int i = 0; i < n; i++){
        cin >> name[i];

    }

    for (int i = 0; i < n; i++){
        cout << name[i];
    }
    delete[] name;

edited Nov 18, 2016 at 14:26

answered Nov 17, 2016 at 13:42

MikeCAT

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3 Comments

Raindrop7 Over a year ago

you didn't free memory

MikeCAT Over a year ago

@Raindrop7 What I posted is not all of the program. I didn't, but it may be freed later.

Raindrop7 Over a year ago

@MikeCAT: I know that. but the op may continue using it unknowing the potential danger of memory leak

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