/42_get_next_line

42 Wolfsburg; Circle 1

Primary LanguageC

Get_next_line

¤ Table of contents ¤

  1. How to use
  2. Introduction
  3. Instructions

¤ How to use ¤

  • Clone the git repository.
  • Write tests that you would like to run in test.txt
  • For manadotry part: Execute gcc main.c get_next_line.c get_next_line_utils.c
  • For bonus part: Execute gcc main.c get_next_line_bonus.c get_next_line_utils_bonus.c

¤ Introduction ¤

In "get_next_line", we learn about an important concept of C programming: static variables. The task of this project is to create a program which will take in "buffer_size" of characters which it took from the read line. If it encounters a "newline character", we should move to the next line. Aside from static variables, "get_next_line" also offers a peek in other C language concepts which you will find out on your own.

¤ Instructions ¤

  • Project must be written in C.

  • Functions should not quit unexpectedly (segmentation fault, bus error, double free, etc) apart from undefined behaviors.

  • All heap allocated memory space must be properly freed when necessary. No leaks will be tolerated. If the subject requires it, you must submit a Makefile which will compile your source files to the required output with the flags -Wall, -Wextra and -Werror, use cc, and Makefile must not relink.

  • Makefile must at least contain the rules $(NAME), all, clean, fclean and re.

¤ Part 1: Parameters ¤

  • Repeated calls (e.g., using a loop) to the "get_next_line" function should let it read the text file pointed to by the file descriptor, one line at a time.

  • Function should return the line that was read. If there is nothing else to read or if an error occurred, it should return NULL.

  • Returned line should include the terminating "\n" character, except if the end of file was reached and does not end with a "\n" character.

  • "get_next_line" has an undefined behavior if the file pointed to by the file descriptor changed since the last call whereas "read" didn’t reach the end of file.

  • FORBIDDEN: lseek and global variables.

¤ Part 2: Example ¤

#include <stdio.h>

void exampleStatic() {
    // Declare a static variable
    static int count = 0;

    // Increment the static variable
    count++;

    // Print the current value
    printf("Count: %d\n", count);
}

int main() {
    exampleStatic();
    exampleStatic();
    exampleStatic();

    return 0;
}

For the success in this project, it is important to understand what static variables are. They are a powerful tool when it comes to allocating memory, being able to preserve data between function calls, etc. However, caution is advised as without complete understanding of its function, you can cause more problems and add extra layers to debugging.