Why Should You Avoid Using the `system()` Function in C and C ?

Why Avoid the system() Function in C and C ?

Despite its cross-platform availability, the system() function poses several concerns that warrant caution.

Cross-Platform Issues

While system() itself is accessible on multiple platforms, the programs it invokes can vary. For instance, the "md" command used for creating directories is platform-specific (Windows only). For Linux, "mkdir" is required instead. This dependency introduces potential platform issues.

Performance Drawbacks

System() calls spawn a separate child process to execute the specified command or program. This process takes longer compared to inline code execution. The child process must be created, load dependencies, and execute, which is often slower than native code implementation.

Alternatives for Screen Clearing

For clearing the screen in C without using system(), one alternative is the "clrscr()" function supported by Visual Studio. However, if using a different compiler like CodeBlocks, the following options can be considered:

• Direct Output: Output a string of newlines ("cout << endl;" multiple times) to push content off the screen.
• Platform-Specific Commands: Use platform-specific commands like "cls" (Windows) or "clear" (Linux) in combination with the "execute" method of the "system_command" header.

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