---
title: 2.7 Using ‘\n’
description: "The newline character (`'\\n'`) is used to move the cursor to the beginning of the next line. It is the most commonly used method for creating line breaks in C++ output because it does not automatically flush the output stream.…"
url: "https://edcret.in/docs/cpp-programming/input-and-output-cplusplus/2-7-using-n/"
updated: "2026-07-28"
category: C++ Programming / Input and Output
---

# 2.7 Using ‘\n’

The newline character (`'\n'`) is used to move the cursor to the beginning of the next line. It is the most commonly used method for creating line breaks in C++ output because it does not automatically flush the output stream.

Unlike `std::endl`, the newline character simply inserts a line break and allows the output stream to continue buffering data. This generally provides better performance, especially when producing large amounts of output.

## Source Code

```
#include <iostream>

int main()
{
    std::cout << "First Line\n";
    std::cout << "Second Line\n";
    std::cout << "Third Line\n";

    return 0;
}
```

## Output

```
First Line
Second Line
Third Line
```

## Explanation

- `'\n'` is the newline escape character used to move the cursor to the next line.
- The newline character can be included directly inside a string literal or inserted separately into the output stream.
- Unlike `std::endl`, `'\n'` does not flush the output stream after printing the newline.
- Since the output buffer is not flushed automatically, using `'\n'` is generally more efficient for normal output operations.
- The newline character is suitable for most console programs where immediate output is not required.
- `std::cout` writes the text to the standard output stream.
- `return 0;` terminates the program successfully.