C/C++ Unsafe String Handling

Unsafe String Handling in C/C++

• Functions like strcpy, sprintf, and gets are considered unsafe for string handling in C/C++.
• strcpy prototype: char *strcpy (char *strDest, const char *strSource);
• Null pointers in either the source or destination buffer will raise an exception.
• Undefined behavior occurs if strings are not null-terminated.
• No safeguard exists to check if the destination buffer is large enough to hold the source string.

Safer String Functions

• Safer alternatives allow specification of the number of bytes or characters to be handled.
• Examples of safer functions include strncpy, _snprintf, and fgets.
• strncpy prototype: char *strncpy (char *strDest, const char *strSource, size_t count);
• strncpy provides more control by allowing the programmer to define how many characters to copy, reducing the risk of buffer overflows.