C++ String strcoll() Function

Posted in C++ Tutorial

Updated on Jan 15, 2024

By Mari Selvan

👁️ 39 - Views

⏳ 4 mins

💬 1 Comment

Photo Credit to CodeToFun

🙋 Introduction

In C++ programming, comparing and sorting strings based on locale-specific collation order is a common task.

The strcoll() function is part of the C++ Standard Library and is designed for this purpose. It performs a locale-specific string comparison, taking into account cultural and linguistic differences.

In this tutorial, we'll explore the usage and functionality of the strcoll() function.

💡 Syntax

The signature of the strcoll() function is as follows:

Syntax

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int strcoll(const char* str1, const char* str2);

This function takes two strings, str1 and str2, and performs a locale-specific collation.

📄 Example

Let's delve into an example to illustrate how the strcoll() function works.

strcoll.cpp

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#include <iostream>
#include <cstring>
#include <clocale>

int main() {
  // Set the locale to the user's default
  std::setlocale(LC_COLLATE, "");

  const char * str1 = "apple";
  const char * str2 = "Orange";

  // Compare strings using strcoll()
  int result = std::strcoll(str1, str2);

  // Output the result
  if (result < 0) {
    std::cout << "String 1 is less than String 2 in collation order.\n";
  } else if (result > 0) {
    std::cout << "String 1 is greater than String 2 in collation order.\n";
  } else {
    std::cout << "String 1 is equal to String 2 in collation order.\n";
  }

  return 0;
}

💻 Output

Output

String 1 is less than String 2 in collation order.

🧠 How the Program Works

In this example, the strcoll() function compares the strings "apple" and "Orange" based on locale-specific collation and prints the result.

↩️ Return Value

The strcoll() function returns an integer less than, equal to, or greater than zero if str1 is found, respectively, to be less than, to match, or be greater than str2. The comparison is based on locale-specific collation.

📚 Common Use Cases

The strcoll() function is particularly useful when sorting strings or comparing them in a locale-sensitive manner. It takes into account language and cultural differences, making it suitable for internationalization and localization scenarios.

📝 Notes

Ensure that you set the desired locale using std::setlocale() before using strcoll(). The default locale is often suitable for most cases.

🎢 Optimization

The strcoll() function is optimized for locale-specific string comparison. However, for performance-critical applications, you may want to explore alternative approaches or consider implementing your optimized version based on specific requirements.

🎉 Conclusion

The strcoll() function in C++ is a valuable tool for locale-specific string comparison. It enhances the flexibility and internationalization capabilities of your C++ programs, making them more versatile in different language and cultural contexts.

Feel free to experiment with different strings and locales to explore the behavior of the strcoll() function in various scenarios. Happy coding!