C cannot read string after I read an integer [duplicate]

Question

Below is my source code. After I read the integer, the program should wait until I type a string and then press enter. However, as soon as I enter the integer, the program exits. Can you tell me where is my fault?

#include <stdio.h>

#include <string.h>

int main()
{

    int n;
    char command[255];

    scanf("%d", &n);
    fgets(command, 255, stdin);

    return 0;
}

I mention that I also tried to use gets(command), but I get the same result.

Answer 1

There is a trailing newline, since you press ENTER after the integer. Eat it by changing this:

scanf("%d", &n);

to this:

scanf("%d ", &n); // this will eat trailing newline

As chux said, scanf("%d ", &n) will not return until the user enters the number and some following non-white-space.

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Relevant question: C: Multiple scanf's, when I enter in a value for one scanf it skips the second scanf

Also I have in mind my example: Caution when reading char with scanf .

Also, as Marco stated, you could use: scanf("%d\n", &n);, which targets the newline specifically.

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There is also this possibility:

#include <stdio.h>
#include <string.h>

int main()
{

    int n;
    char command[255], newline;

    scanf("%d", &n);
    scanf("%c", &newline); // eat trailing newline
    fgets(command, 255, stdin);

    return 0;
}

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However, I would personally use two fgets() and no scanf(). :)