ios manipulators left() function in C++

The left() method of stream manipulators in C++ is used to set the adjustfield format flag for the specified str stream. This flag sets the adjustfield to left. It means that the number in the output will be padded to the field width by inserting fill characters at the end.

Syntax:

ios_base& left (ios_base& str)

Parameters: This method accepts str as a parameter which is the stream for which the format flag is affected.

Return Value: This method returns the stream str with internal format flag set.

Example 1:

// C++ code to demonstrate
// the working of left() function

#include <iostream>

using namespace std;

int main()
{

    // Initializing the integer
    double x = -1.23;

    cout.precision(5);

    // Using left()
    cout << "left flag: ";

    cout.width(12);
    cout << left << x << endl;

    return 0;
}

Output:

left flag: -1.23

Example 2:

// C++ code to demonstrate
// the working of left() function

#include <iostream>

using namespace std;

int main()
{

    // Initializing the integer
    double x = -1.23;

    cout.precision(5);

    // Using left()
    cout << "left flag: ";

    cout.width(12);
    cout << left << x << endl;

    return 0;
}

Output:

left flag: -1.23

Reference: http://www.cplusplus.com/reference/ios/left/