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cstringwindows
Aviv Cohn
Aviv Cohn

Reputation: 17243

How can I convert C-String to LPCSTR on Windows

In order to find if a file exists, I want to use the GetFileAttributes WinAPI function.

The function accepts a LPCSTR argument. How can I convert my classic const char* string to this type?

Please note, I'm using C, not C++. Is this the right way to go in C too?

Upvotes: 0

Views: 329

Answers (2)

Kaz
Kaz

Reputation: 58617

It is GetFileAttributesA (note the A) which uses LPCSTR. The wide character version is GetFileAttributesW, and its argument is LPCWSTR. The generic name GetFileAttributes is a shim which will switch between these two functions at compile time; it is defined in terms of a TCHAR typedef (const strings of which are LPCTSTR). TCHAR switches between CHAR or WCHAR based on whether you build the program for Unicode support.

If you have a const char * input intended to be passed to GetFileAttributes being compiled for Unicode, or to be passed to GetFileAttributesW, then a conversion is needed from byte string to wide string.

It's best to avoid mixing wide and narrow strings in the entire program, if at all possible, to avoid the cumbersome conversions.

Upvotes: 2

Andreas Wenzel
Andreas Wenzel

Reputation: 25261

According to this Microsoft documentation page, LPCSTR is defined in WinNT.h as follows:

typedef __nullterminated CONST CHAR *LPCSTR;

This evaluates to const char *.

So, you are essentially asking how to convert const char* to itself. In other words, the answer to your question is that no conversion is required.

Regarding your question, there is no difference between C and C++. However, C++ offers additional ways of handling strings.

Upvotes: 2

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