Converting bool to text in C++

Question

Maybe this is a dumb question, but is there any way to convert a boolean value to a string such that 1 turns to \"true\" and 0 turns to \"false\"? I could just use an if st

Answer 1

We're talking about C++ right? Why on earth are we still using macros!?

C++ inline functions give you the same speed as a macro, with the added benefit of type-safety and parameter evaluation (which avoids the issue that Rodney and dwj mentioned.

inline const char * const BoolToString(bool b)
{
  return b ? "true" : "false";
}

Aside from that I have a few other gripes, particularly with the accepted answer :)

// this is used in C, not C++. if you want to use printf, instead include <cstdio>
//#include <stdio.h>
// instead you should use the iostream libs
#include <iostream>

// not only is this a C include, it's totally unnecessary!
//#include <stdarg.h>

// Macros - not type-safe, has side-effects. Use inline functions instead
//#define BOOL_STR(b) (b?"true":"false")
inline const char * const BoolToString(bool b)
{
  return b ? "true" : "false";
}

int main (int argc, char const *argv[]) {
    bool alpha = true;

    // printf? that's C, not C++
    //printf( BOOL_STR(alpha) );
    // use the iostream functionality
    std::cout << BoolToString(alpha);
    return 0;
}

Cheers :)

---

@DrPizza: Include a whole boost lib for the sake of a function this simple? You've got to be kidding?

Answer 2

Without dragging ostream into it:

constexpr char const* to_c_str(bool b) {
   return  
    std::array<char const*, 2>{"false", "true "}[b]
   ;
};

Answer 3

I agree that a macro might be the best fit. I just whipped up a test case (believe me I'm no good with C/C++ but this sounded fun):

#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdarg.h>

#define BOOL_STR(b) (b?"true":"false")

int main (int argc, char const *argv[]) {
    bool alpha = true;
    printf( BOOL_STR(alpha) );
    return 0;
}