Microsoft C/C++ Version 7.0 contains a C++ class library that supports object-oriented input/output. This library follows the syntax originally established by the authors of the C++ language and thus represents a de facto standars for C++ input/output.
Chapter 18 provides the training necessary to get you started with the iostream classes. After you work through the examples, you will be able to write programs that process formatted text character streams and binary disk files, and you will be able to customize the library in limited ways. As you work with the iostream classes, you will learn about the C++ “multiple inheritance” feature.
Chapter 19 presents some advanced topics that include iostream class derivation and creation of custom multiparameter “manipulators.” The derivation topic gets you started on extending the library and the manipulators are useful for specialized formatting. You will also begin to understand the relationship between the “stream” classes and their subsidiary “buffer” classes. You can then apply some of the iostream library design principles to you own class libraries.