get_next_line

The get_next_line project challenges us to create a function that reads from a file descriptor and returns the next line, storing the remaining content in a buffer. The goal is to be able to read a file, a stdin input or any other file descriptor while learning how to create programs that can modify their behaviour with compilation flags.

Getting Started

To use the get_next_line function, simply clone the repository to your local machine. The library comes with a Makefile that includes the following rules:

• all: compiles the library
• re: recompiles the library
• fclean: removes all object files and the library
• clean: removes all object files

To compile the library, run:

make all

This will generate a .a file that you can link to your C projects.

Using the Function

To use the get_next_line function, include the get_next_line.h header file in your C source files.

#include "get_next_line.h"

int main(void)
{
    char *line;
    int fd = open("file.txt", O_RDONLY);

    while ((line = get_next_line(fd)) != NULL)
    {
        printf("%s\n", line);
        free(line);
    }
    close(fd);
    return (0);
}

Note: Use the libft project from now on to use this function.

Conclusions

• The get_next_line function is a useful tool for reading files in a program, and it is often used in later projects at 42.
• This project has been added to the libft, which can be found here.