String over char[] ?

[Icarus247]

Ive tryd to find the answer to this, but cant. What is better to use? A string variable or a char[] variable. (eg. string Name = "jack" or char Name[5] = ("jack") ). I plan on useing it as a class attribute, that will be accesable through accesor functions within the class.

[chu121su12]

My recommendation: Use string.

- You can create string Name[x]; for multiple string, and still easier to read rather than char[x][5]; .
- You won't be bothered with null character termination.
- Many convenient operation available on string. See and compare:
http://www.cplusplus.com/reference/string/string/
http://www.cplusplus.com/reference/clibrary/cstring/
- String itself is a class. Except you are dealing with multiple string, you can directly use it.

[Duoas]

Agreed.

Remember, a std::string is a container class, which maintains a char[] internally.

The advantage is now you can use all the dynamic features of a container class, but you still have access to the char[].

Depending on the STL implementation, the char[] is marginally faster than a std::string, but stick with the string unless your profiler tells you that you absolutely have to trim time spent on essential string operations. (This should be unlikely.)

Hope this helps.

[Icarus247]

Thanks alot!! You guys answerd my question perfectly!! Great site!