> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://mr-poston-1.gitbook.io/c++/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://mr-poston-1.gitbook.io/c++/1.-c++-basics/1.1-input-output-and-program-structure/1.1.3-input-and-output.md).

# 1.1.3 Input and Output

In your last example, you took a look at a basic output statement using the `cout` command. In this example, you are going to look at how to take user input.

There are two main ways that you can read in from the user: `cin` and `getline`

## cin

`cin` is used to read one item at a time, such as one number or one word.

You input from the console to a variable using double angled brackets going in the opposite direction from the `cout` angled brackets, `>>`. For example, if you wanted to get an input from the user and store it in the `name` variable, the syntax would look like this:

```
cin >> name;
```

Prior to the input, you need to use the `cout` command to prompt the user.

You then create a variable and use the `cin` command to stream the input into the variable. (You will see more about variables in the next lesson.)

The variable needs to be created prior to streaming into it.

## getline

`getline` is used to read an entire line in as a string\
You use a single command with two arguments. The first argument is where the input comes from and the second is where it goes. For example, if you want to read a line from the console and store it in the `name` variable, the syntax would look like this:

```
getline(cin, name);
```

Like the `cin` option, you still prompt the user and create a variable, however the input is assigned to the variable using the `getline` command. No assignment operator (`=`) is used.

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Input and Output
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