C++ Special Characters - C++ Tutorial

In C++, strings are enclosed in double quotes (" "), but certain characters need special handling to be properly displayed within text. Escape sequences allow programmers to insert special characters in a string without causing errors.

Handling Special Characters with Escape Sequences

If a string contains quotation marks, C++ may misinterpret them, leading to an error.

Incorrect Example (Will Not Work)

string motoQuote = "This "Kawasaki" bike is amazing.";  // Error!

C++
​x
 
string motoQuote = "This "Kawasaki" bike is amazing.";  // Error!​

To fix this issue, use escape sequences with a backslash (\).

Common Escape Characters

A backslash (\) is used to insert special characters inside a string.

Escape Character	Result	Description
`\'`	`'`	Inserts a single quote
`\"`	`"`	Inserts a double quote
`\\`	`\`	Inserts a backslash

Example: Using Double Quotes in Strings

If you need to include double quotes within a string, use \":

#include <iostream>
#include <string>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    string carQuote = "The \"Ferrari\" is built for speed!";
    cout << carQuote;  // Output: The "Ferrari" is built for speed!

    return 0;
}

C++
 
#include <iostream>#include <string>using namespace std;​int main() {    string carQuote = "The \"Ferrari\" is built for speed!";    cout << carQuote;  // Output: The "Ferrari" is built for speed!​    return 0;}​

Using Single Quotes (`\'`)

To include apostrophes or single quotes, use \':

#include <iostream>
#include <string>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    string bikeStatement = "It\'s built for speed!";
    cout << bikeStatement;  // Output: It's built for speed!

    return 0;
}

C++
 
#include <iostream>#include <string>using namespace std;​int main() {    string bikeStatement = "It\'s built for speed!";    cout << bikeStatement;  // Output: It's built for speed!​    return 0;}​

Using a Backslash (`\\`)

To print a backslash character, use \\:

#include <iostream>
#include <string>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    string pathExample = "The character \\ is called backslash.";
    cout << pathExample;  // Output: The character \ is called backslash.

    return 0;
}

C++
 
#include <iostream>#include <string>using namespace std;​int main() {    string pathExample = "The character \\ is called backslash.";    cout << pathExample;  // Output: The character \ is called backslash.​    return 0;}​

Other Useful Escape Characters

Escape characters can also control formatting, allowing for text spacing or new lines.

Escape Character	Result	Usage
`\n`	New line	Moves text to the next line
`\t`	Tab space	Inserts a horizontal space

Example: Formatting a String

#include <iostream>
#include <string>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    string bikeSpecs = "Brand: Yamaha\nModel: R1\nEngine: 1000cc";
    cout << bikeSpecs;

    return 0;
}

C++
 
#include <iostream>#include <string>using namespace std;​int main() {    string bikeSpecs = "Brand: Yamaha\nModel: R1\nEngine: 1000cc";    cout << bikeSpecs;​    return 0;}​

Output:

Brand: Yamaha
Model: R1
Engine: 1000cc

C++
 
Brand: YamahaModel: R1Engine: 1000cc​