INFO: Endl Flushes the cout Buffer Immediately Upon Execution

• Microsoft C/C++ for MS-DOS, version 7.0
• Microsoft Visual C++ for Windows, versions 1.0, 1.5, 1.51, 1.52
• Microsoft Visual C++ 32-bit Edition, versions 1.0, 2.0, 2.1, 4.0, 5.0

SUMMARY

In these products, the cout class uses a buffering system for data that may not be flushed immediately. Because cout usually handles small messages, several messages are usually needed to fill the buffer, which will cause the data to be written to the standard output handle. In some cases, this can cause considerable delay when writing output to the screen during a debugging session. This problem can be avoided, however, by using the endl manipulator. When appended to the end of a cout call, the endl manipulator inserts a newline character and then flushes the buffer.

MORE INFORMATION

Sample Code

   /* Compile options needed: none
   */

   #include <iostream.h>

   void main(void)
   {
     cout << "This string will be buffered";
     cout << "This string will be flushed immediately" <<endl;
   }

   ARTICLE-ID: Q94227
   TITLE     : INFO: Output Stream cout Is Buffered