---
title: "2.2 Reading Input Using std::cin"
description: "The standard input stream is used to read data entered by the user. In C++, the object `std::cin` represents the standard input stream provided by the `` library. This example demonstrates how to read an integer value from the keyboard…"
url: "https://edcret.in/docs/cpp-programming/input-and-output-cplusplus/2-2-reading-input-using-stdcin/"
updated: "2026-07-28"
category: C++ Programming / Input and Output
---

# 2.2 Reading Input Using std::cin

The standard input stream is used to read data entered by the user. In C++, the object `std::cin` represents the standard input stream provided by the `<iostream>` library.

This example demonstrates how to read an integer value from the keyboard and display it on the console.

## Source Code

```
#include <iostream>

int main()
{
    int age;

    std::cout << "Enter your age: ";
    std::cin >> age;

    std::cout << "Age: " << age << '\n';

    return 0;
}
```

## Output

```
Enter your age: 25
Age: 25
```

## Explanation

- `int age;` declares an integer variable that stores the value entered by the user.
- `std::cout << "Enter your age: ";` displays a prompt before accepting 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 `age`.
- The extraction operator skips leading whitespace before reading the input value.
- If the entered value cannot be converted to the target data type, the input operation fails and the stream enters the fail state.
- `std::cout << "Age: " << age << '\n';` prints the value stored in the variable.
- `return 0;` terminates the program successfully.