C++ User Input

User Input

 

You have already learned that cout is used to output (print) values. Now we will use cin to get user input.

cin is a predefined variable that reads data from the keyboard with the extraction operator (>>).

In the following example, the user can input a number, which is stored in the variable x. Then we print the value of x:

Example

int x; 

cout << "Type a number: "; // Type a number and press enter

cin >> x; // Get user input from the keyboard

cout << "Your number is: " << x; // Display the input value

Run example

Good To Know

cout is pronounced "see-out". Used for output, and uses the insertion operator (<<)

cin is pronounced "see-in". Used for input, and uses the extraction operator (>>)

Creating Simple Calculator

In this example, the user must input two numbers. Then we print the sum by calculating (adding) the two numbers:

Example

int x, y;

int sum;

cout << "Type a number: ";

cin >> x;

cout << "Type another number: ";

cin >> y;

sum = x + y;

cout << "Sum is: " << sum;

Run example

There you go! You just built a basic calculator!

Test Yourself With Exercise

Exercise

Use the correct keyword to get user input, stored in the variable x: