---
title: 1.2 Reading Input from the User
description: "Programs often require values to be provided while they are running. In C++, the standard input stream is represented by `std::cin`, which reads data entered through the keyboard. This example demonstrates how to read an integer from the user and…"
url: "https://magenta-tarsier-454184.hostingersite.com/docs/cpp-programming/basic-refreshers-cplusplus/1-2-reading-input-from-the-user-2/"
updated: "2026-07-28"
category: C++ Programming / Basic Refreshers
---

# 1.2 Reading Input from the User

Programs often require values to be provided while they are running. In C++, the standard input stream is represented by `std::cin`, which reads data entered through the keyboard.

This example demonstrates how to read an integer from the user and display the entered value using the standard output stream.

## Source Code

```
#include <iostream>

int main()
{
    int number;

    std::cout << "Enter a number: ";
    std::cin >> number;

    std::cout << "You entered: " << number << '\n';

    return 0;
}
```

## Output

```
Enter a number: 25
You entered: 25
```

## Explanation

- `int number;` declares an integer variable that stores the value entered by the user.
- `std::cout << "Enter a number: ";` displays a prompt before waiting for input.
- `std::cin` is the standard input stream object used to read data from the keyboard.
- The extraction operator (`>>`) reads characters from the input stream, converts them to the required data type, and stores the result in `number`.
- `std::cout << "You entered: " << number << '\n';` displays the value stored in the variable.
- `return 0;` terminates the program and returns a success status to the operating system.