Why does integer overflow cause errors with C++ iostreams?

Question

Ok, so I have some problems with C++ iostreams that feels very odd, but it is probably defined behaviour, considering this happens with both MSVC++ and G++.

Say I ha

Answer 1

I'd think that cin is setting itself to an error state due to the invalid read.

1st reply here explains it.

http://www.dreamincode.net/forums/topic/93200-cin-checking-and-resetting-error-state/

Just tried this code and it does seem to be setting to fail state

#include  
using namespace std; 

int main() 
{ 
    int a; 
    cin >> a; 
    if(!cin)
    {
        cin.clear();
    }
    cout << a << endl; 
    cin >> a; 
    if(!cin)
    {
        cin.clear();
    }
    cout << a << endl; 

    return 0; 
}