Alternative Clrscr C++

MUAZHAN

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Jun 28, 2024

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Alternative clrscr() in C++

The clrscr() function, often found in older C++ code, is a non-standard function used to clear the console screen. It's not part of the standard C++ library and its availability depends on the compiler and operating system.

Here are some alternatives to clrscr() in C++ that are more portable and reliable:

Using system commands:

The most straightforward approach is to use system commands, which are platform-specific:

Windows:

#include 
#include 

using namespace std;

int main() {
  system("cls"); // Clears the console screen on Windows
  cout << "Screen Cleared!" << endl;
  return 0;
}

Linux/macOS:

#include 
#include 

using namespace std;

int main() {
  system("clear"); // Clears the console screen on Linux/macOS
  cout << "Screen Cleared!" << endl;
  return 0;
}

Using cout manipulations:

Another approach is to manipulate the cout stream to achieve the desired effect:

#include 
#include 

using namespace std;

int main() {
  // Clear the console by printing a large number of newlines
  cout << setfill('\n') << setw(100) << "";
  cout << "Screen Cleared!" << endl;
  return 0;
}

This method prints a large number of newline characters, effectively pushing the previous output off the screen.

Using libraries:

You can also use external libraries like ncurses to have more control over console output, including screen clearing:

#include 
#include 

using namespace std;

int main() {
  initscr(); // Initialize ncurses
  clear(); // Clear the screen
  refresh(); // Update the screen
  cout << "Screen Cleared!" << endl;
  endwin(); // Terminate ncurses
  return 0;
}

Important: Remember to link the ncurses library when compiling your program.

Considerations:

• Portability: Using system commands ensures portability across different platforms, but you need to handle platform-specific calls.
• Efficiency: The cout manipulation method might not be as efficient as system commands or libraries.
• Control: Using libraries like ncurses gives you finer control over console output and interactions.

Ultimately, the best alternative for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Choose the method that best suits your project and coding style.