stuck on understanding system (cls);

[nycjj09]

Hi i am kinda new to programming but am getting better at it and i am stuck on understanding the system ("cls"); function. i was told i could use it in a while loop and then clear it out and reappear on the screen when a correct choice is inputted. I've done a switch statement and used the clear function but in a while loop i don't understand how i can make a menu reappear. can some one just help me understand the system ("cls"); part.

[nvrmnd]

First of all, system( "cls" ); is just a command that CLEARS the screen, nothing more, *nothing less*.

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i was told i could use it in a while loop and then clear it out and reappear on the screen when a correct choice is inputted

maybe you mean if an incorrect choice is inputted ?

yes you can, some people do it to not mess up the screen. something like :

// ...
int choice;

cout << "Choose your beverage" << endl;
cout << "1. Coke" << endl;
cout << "2. Sprite" << endl;
cout << "3. Coffee" << endl; // ??

cout << "Enter your choice: ";
cin >> choice;

while( choice != 1 || choice != 2 || choice != 3 ) {
    cin.ignore();
   
    system( "cls" ); // clear the screen and prompt again if the choice is invalid
                             // so the screen will not mess up...
    cout << "Choose your beverage" << endl;
    cout << "1. Coke" << endl;
    cout << "2. Sprite" << endl;
    cout << "3. Coffee" << endl; // ??

    cout << "Enter your choice: ";
    cin >> choice;
}
// ... 

Hope this helps, just ask again if you have questions...

[giblit]

You shouldn't use system("anything")
http://www.cplusplus.com/forum/beginner/1988/