Unknown meta-character in C/C++ string literal?

Question

I created a new project with the following code segment:

char* strange = "(Strange??)";
cout << strange << endl;

resulting in the following output:

(Strange]

Thus translating '??)' -> ']'

Debugging it shows that my char* string literal is actually that value and it's not a stream translation. This is obviously not a meta-character sequence I've ever seen. Some sort of Unicode or wide char sequence perhaps? I don't think so however... I've tried disabling all related project settings to no avail.

Anyone have an explanation?

• search : 'question mark, question mark, close brace' c c++ string literal

Answer 1

??) is a trigraph.

Answer 2

It's a trigraph.

Answer 3

As mentioned several times, you're being bitten by a trigraph. See this previous SO question for more information:

• Purpose of Trigraph sequences in C++?

You can fix the problem by using the '\?' escape sequence for the '?' character:

char* strange = "(Strange\?\?)";

In fact, this is the reason for that escape sequence, which is somewhat mysterious if you're unaware of those damn trigraphs.