How to separate one input into multiple by the spaces

Question

I am fairly new to C++ and am trying to write a program that can sort a set of names (in alphabetic order) that I input but I'd like to make it so I can input all the names at once; I have already coded the sorting and have tested with multiple names fine but right now I have to push enter after every name to signify a new one. I searched for a way to separate the input based off the spaces in the input but all I found was this which only separates the first 2 words/names:

    int main(){

        string input;
        getline(cin, input);
        string temp1;
        string temp2;

    for (int i = 0; i < input.length(); i++){

        if (input[i] == ' ') {
                temp1.append(input.substr(0, i));
                temp2.append(input.substr(i + 1, input.length() - 1));
                break;
        }
    }

        cout << temp1 << endl;
        cout << temp2 << endl;
}

I have played around with the parts that appear to separate the code and tried to make them repeat for every space but I can't get it to work. As I said, I'm fairly new to C++ so if anyone could please steer me in the right direction or suggest a better way to accomplish what I'm trying to do that would be great.

Thanks,

-Eric

---Edit---

Example Input:

William Charlie Sarah Peter Matt John

Example Output:

Charlie John Matt Peter Sarah William

(As I said, I already have the program to do the name ordering, I just need to know how to input all the names at once and have the program assign the first to temp1, second to temp2, third to temp3, etc.)

possible duplicate of [How to split a string in C++?](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/236129/how-to-split-a-string-in-c) — mostruash, Sep 10 '14 at 22:16
Answer: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/236129/how-to-split-a-string-in-c — Protopopulus, Sep 10 '14 at 22:18
Yes, but it depends on what you want to do with them; whether create a std::vector out of the words, or print them, etc... — Sam Varshavchik, Sep 10 '14 at 23:46
Please add an example input and example output to your post. Don't create a comment, but edit your post. — Thomas Matthews, Sep 11 '14 at 01:09
I just want to assign them to the string value temp1, temp2, temp3, etc. and then the program does the rest from there. — Eric, Sep 11 '14 at 01:09
Do you need to create separate variables for each value or could you use a *container*, such as `std::vector` or `std::list` or an array? — Thomas Matthews, Sep 11 '14 at 01:10
The way I set up my program is to process them as separate variables, so that would be the best if it's not too hard. — Eric, Sep 11 '14 at 01:14
There will never be more than 15 to 20 names, it's more of a proof-of-concept for now, if that simplifies it at all. — Eric, Sep 11 '14 at 01:17

score 0 · Accepted Answer · 2014-09-11T02:23:38.300

0

#include <iostream>
#include <sstream>
#include <vector>
#include <algorithm>
using namespace std;

vector<string> separate_string(const string& input)
{
    istringstream input_stream(input);
    string buffer;
    vector<string> separated;

    while (input_stream >> buffer)
    {
        separated.push_back(buffer);
    }

    return separated;
}

int main()
{
    string test_string = "William Charlie Sarah Peter Matt John";
    auto names = separate_string(test_string);
    sort(begin(names),end(names));
    for (const auto& s : names)
        cout << s << endl;
}

Explanation:

The object input_stream of type std::istringstream takes a string on contruction. Then, you can use it like cin. Using extraction operator >>, the string is already separated by space characters.

The while-loop stops when it reaches the end of the input string.

The separated strings are stored in a vector for string.

The main is just a test program. You may write your own to complete your mission.

edited Sep 11 '14 at 02:23

answered Sep 11 '14 at 02:05

Thanks, this works great! I only have one last question which I feel really stupid asking because I'm sure it's really obvious but instead of directly defining test_string as "William Charlie etc." I tried to add "string test_string;" and "cin >> test_string;" right below instead and then it only outputs the first name I input in cmd. Where am I supposed to add the "cin" because obviously I'm doing something wrong. – Eric Sep 11 '14 at 20:14
@user3052738 Look at your own question. Can you find `getline(cin, input)`? That's what you want. – Sep 12 '14 at 01:28
Where do I add that though? I tried adding where it was in my original code but it says none of the overloads could convert all the argument types. – Eric Sep 12 '14 at 01:50
Ok, i got it, sorry about that I'm really just getting to know c++. Thanks a bunch! – Eric Sep 12 '14 at 01:55

How to separate one input into multiple by the spaces

1 Answers1