input/ output files

[velvetymouse]

im having problems with my input files. It will output, but my file wont accept an input.

#include <iostream>
#include <iomanip>
using namespace std;
#include <string>
#include <fstream>
/**************************************************************************

 *************************************************************************/

int main ()
{
	ifstream inFile;
	ofstream outFile;
	int a;
	inFile.open("input.txt");
	outFile.open("output.txt");


	inFile >> a;
	outFile << "what is your age? ";

	outFile << endl << "your age is: " << a;
}

the output is

what is your age? 
your age is: 0

[atropos]

Input files read data from a file, and output files write data to a file.
So, unless you open a file containing an integer value, inFile >> a; doesn't read anything.

EDIT: spelling

[velvetymouse]

oh, how would you input the value for age; would you just use a cin? i was trying to avoid cins and couts though.

[Moschops]

You could create a file called input.txt with a number in it. You could do this with a standard text editor.

[atropos]

If you want to get user input from the console then yes, you have to use cin >>.

[georgep]

Once you've opened the file (ie. you have said ifstream inFile;) you can just use in >> a;.