Inputting non-int into int variable

[Wine Wave]

Hi, I'm new to both c++ and programming. Can someone explain why my program works for all integers, but not when I input a letter? What is actually happening when I declare an int, but input a non-int? Thanks

Also, I see that I can input a float and it will accept it (outputs "Thanks"). I see that if converts the float 6.5 into 6 (when I cout << n). Is it normal to round down when converting float to an int?

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

// Identify if an input is within bounds.

int main()
{
    int n;
    int i;
    cout << "Please type a positive integer between 0 and 1,000,000: ";
    cin >> n;
    
    for(i = 0; i < 4; i++) // User has 5 tries to provide adequate input
    {
        if(n > 0 && n <= 999999)  // Create bounds for input
        {
            // Accept number if within boundaries
            cout << "Thanks";
            return 0;
        }
        else
        {
            cout << "This value is not valid, please try again: ";
            cin >> n; 
            // If input is not within bounds, ask user to try again
            //return 0 after 5 tries
        }
    }
    return 0;
}

[jlb]

What is actually happening when I declare an int, but input a non-int?

The stream enters an error state because it can't convert the input into a number.

I see that if converts the float 6.5 into 6 (when I cout << n).

Actually the stream stops processing the input when it encounters a non-digit, leaving the remaining characters in the input buffer.

Is it normal to round down when converting float to an int?

It is not rounding down, it is just processing integer values, remember an integer has no fractional parts.

[Wine Wave]

Okay, thanks! That makes sense. Right now my goal is to find a way to allow the user give input again even if the initial input is a non-integer. Is this possible?

[Repeater]

Fetch input as a string.

Then examine the input to check if it's acceptable to you. If it is, do what you want with it (e.g. turn into an int, store that int).

If not acceptable, tell the user to go again.

[Wine Wave]

Thanks again. I will try this out.