'printf' vs. 'cout' in C++

Question

What is the difference between printf() and cout in C++?

Answer 1

For me, the real differences which would make me go for 'cout' rather than 'printf' are:

1) << operator can be overloaded for my classes.

2) Output stream for cout can be easily changed to a file : (: copy paste :)

#include 
#include 
using namespace std;

int main ()
{
    cout << "This is sent to prompt" << endl;
    ofstream file;
    file.open ("test.txt");
    streambuf* sbuf = cout.rdbuf();
    cout.rdbuf(file.rdbuf());
    cout << "This is sent to file" << endl;
    cout.rdbuf(sbuf);
    cout << "This is also sent to prompt" << endl;
    return 0;
}

3) I find cout more readable, especially when we have many parameters.

One problem with cout is the formatting options. Formatting the data (precision, justificaton, etc.) in printf is easier.