C++ String strcpy() Function

Posted in C++ Tutorial

Updated on Jan 15, 2024

By Mari Selvan

👁️ 40 - Views

⏳ 4 mins

💬 1 Comment

Photo Credit to CodeToFun

🙋 Introduction

In C++ programming, manipulating strings is a common task, and the strcpy() function is a fundamental part of string handling.

The strcpy() function is used to copy a C-style string (a sequence of characters ending with a null character) from one location to another.

In this tutorial, we'll explore the usage and functionality of the strcpy() function in C++.

💡 Syntax

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

Syntax

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char* strcpy(char* destination, const char* source);

This function takes two parameters - destination and source - and copies the string from source to destination.

📄 Example

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

strcpy.cpp

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#include <iostream>
#include <cstring>

int main() {
  const char * source = "Hello, C++!";
  char destination[20]; // Make sure it's large enough to hold the source string

  // Copy the string
  strcpy(destination, source);

  // Output the result
  std::cout << "Source: " << source << std::endl;
  std::cout << "Destination: " << destination << std::endl;

  return 0;
}

💻 Output

Output

Source: Hello, C++!
Destination: Hello, C++!

🧠 How the Program Works

In this example, the strcpy() function is used to copy the string "Hello, C++!" from source to destination.

↩️ Return Value

The strcpy() function returns a pointer to the destination string. The destination string is modified to contain a copy of the source string.

📚 Common Use Cases

The strcpy() function is useful when you need to duplicate or create a new copy of a C-style string. It's commonly used when working with arrays of characters in C++.

📝 Notes

Ensure that the destination array has enough space to accommodate the source string, including the null character at the end.
Be cautious to avoid buffer overflows by ensuring the destination array size is sufficient.

🎢 Optimization

The strcpy() function is optimized for simplicity and straightforward string copying. If you need more advanced string manipulation or dynamic memory allocation, consider using C++ Standard Library classes like std::string.

🎉 Conclusion

The strcpy() function in C++ is a basic yet essential tool for copying C-style strings. While it has its use cases, be mindful of potential pitfalls related to buffer sizes and consider alternatives like std::string for more robust string handling.

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