does ifstream accept variable file name?

Question

does ifstream accept variable file name? I am trying to give a fine as an argument and then will try to read it. What should be the best way?

Answer 1

Yes, of course it does.

const char * filename = "abc.txt";

std::ifstream fin(filename);

Or using std::string

std::string filename = "abc.txt";

std::ifstream fin(filename.c_str());

With C++11, you can just use the string directly.

std::ifstream fin(filename);

Answer 2

You can also use a character array (which is basically what a string is anyway):

char filename[20];

std::cout << "Enter the filename (no more than 20 characters): ";
std::cin >> filename;

std::ifstream inputFile( filename );

That should work and allow you to take dynamic user input for your filename.