In C++ programming Integrated Development Environment (IDE), the console is a window that shows the output when you execute your code. When you include the <iostream> library in C++, the cout object (c for a character, out for output) comes into play from ostream class. The ostream is short for output streams responsible for functionalities related to chars, put, write, and count. For a text or variable output to be displayed in the console window in C++, the cout command is used. Many more benefits can be obtained from the console window with advanced techniques:

1. Formatting output text

2. Displaying results on the next line and

3. Dynamically clearing the console from all outputs

Understanding std::cout in C++

The command std::cout is another form of cout command which is described in the previous section. If your program uses multiple code elements such as variables, classes, & functions (i.e., namespaces), then it is recommended to use std::cout. Sometimes, due to the diverse functionalities of std::cout command, you might find resources like C++ assignment help on various platforms valuable. There, you will also find out that the cout command can also be used once you provide the command using namespace std; at the beginning of your code. Consider the example in the following image where the text “Hello World!” is displayed in the console window using cout and std::cout commands.

Formatting Streams in C++ programming for Console Output (75)

Formatting the ostream-based output console requires using flags or stream function modification. We’ll only discuss some common formatting options from these:

1. Output Field Width (std::setw())

Set the width of the output console line. After setting the std::cout command, use the std::setw() command. For example, using std::setw(5) will create the output text with a width of 5 characters [1].

2. Decimal Number Formatting (std::setprecision ())

Precision in floating point numbers is extremely important in computer programming. Similar to setw(), you must first use the std::cout command and then use the std::setprecision () command in the console output to set the number of decimals required after the decimal point.

3. Special Symbols

Using the Unicode code for the special symbols is simple yet elegant in C++.  To use the special symbols in C++ console output, you must first use the std::cout command from the ostream class in iostream library. Then, use the exact Unicode code to produce the special symbol. For example, to show heart, you can use the \u2665 code within the std::cout command.

Custom Stream Modifiers/Manipulators for Enhanced Console Output

Sometimes, built-in output console formatting is not exactly what you seek. For such cases, you can use the Custom Stream Modifiers (Custom Stream Manipulators) for enhanced console output. To use the Custom Stream Manipulators, the function is defined with std::ostream, as shown in the following example:

The extraSpaces is a modifier that adds the extra spaces with the amount defined in os << “  ”;

Right Justification and Fill Characters

The right justification allows for the text to be on the right side after the set width (setw()) has been used [2]. For this to work properly, you must use the std::cout command first, and then within this command, you can use the std::right or std::left command for alignment:

The std::setfill stream manipulator allows to filling of the padding (other than content) with specified characters.

Printing Various Data Types to the Console

Output console in C++ programming allows printing of numerous and diverse data types. These data types include:

1. Integer: int

2. Decimal Numbers: float

3. Characters: char

4. Text: string

5. Boolean: bool

This datatype printing in the output console is also powered by ostream class. Consider the example for these data types in the C++ output console.

Read also

• Why C is Best Programming Language For Beginners
• Beginner’s Guide to C Language Programming
• Discuss Fundamental Concepts of Programming

FAQ:

1. How does std::cout work in C++ for console output?

In C++, std::cout is used to output the data to the output console. To use the std::cout, you must first include the iostream library. For some output types formatting, the ostream class must also be used. The general syntax of the std::cout is std::cout <<. However, after the << operator, either the exact text appears or the variable name appears that needs to be shown on the output console.

For example:

std::cout << “Integer: ” << integerNumber << std::endl;

If the int integerNumber = 74, then the overall output at the output console would be

Integer: 42

2. What are the methods for formatting streams in C++?

Some of the methods used for stream formatting in C++ include but are not limited to:

• Stream Manipulators/Modifiers

• Flags

• Member functions

• I/O Control Functions

3. Can you provide examples of advanced console output techniques in C++?

Some of the advanced console output techniques are listed below. There are many more techniques, but the popular techniques are provided below. In many of these techniques for output, you must first use std::cout command as described in the documentation:

• Creating Colorful Outputs using the ANSI codes

• Table formatting

• Dynamic Console Clearance