The stream extraction operator (>>) is used to read data from an input stream. It extracts characters from the stream, converts them to the required data type, and stores the result in a variable.

The extraction operator is most commonly used with std::cin to read input from the keyboard. Multiple values can be extracted in a single statement by chaining the operator.

Source Code #

#include <iostream>

int main()
{
    int age;
    float salary;

    std::cout << "Enter age and salary: ";
    std::cin >> age >> salary;

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

    return 0;
}

Output #

Enter age and salary: 25 45000.5
Age: 25
Salary: 45000.5

Explanation #

• The stream extraction operator (>>) extracts data from an input stream.
• 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 destination data type, and stores the result in the specified variable.
• Multiple extraction operators can be chained together to read several values from a single input statement.
• By default, the extraction operator skips leading whitespace such as spaces, tabs, and newline characters before reading the next value.
• Input values must be compatible with the destination variable’s data type. Otherwise, the input operation fails and the stream enters the fail state.
• After successful extraction, the stored values can be displayed using std::cout.
• return 0; terminates the program successfully.