_kbhit

Checks the console for keyboard input.

int _kbhit( void );

Return Value

_kbhit returns a nonzero value if a key has been pressed. Otherwise, it returns 0.

Remarks

The _kbhit function checks the console for a recent keystroke. If the function returns a nonzero value, a keystroke is waiting in the buffer. The program can then call _getch or _getche to get the keystroke.

Requirements

For more compatibility information, see Compatibility in the Introduction.

Libraries

All versions of the C run-time libraries.

Example

// crt_kbhit.c
// compile with: /c
/* This program loops until the user
 * presses a key. If _kbhit returns nonzero, a
 * keystroke is waiting in the buffer. The program
 * can call _getch or _getche to get the keystroke.
 */

#include <conio.h>
#include <stdio.h>

int main( void )
{
   /* Display message until key is pressed. */
   while( !_kbhit() )
      _cputs( "Hit me!! " );

   /* Use _getch to throw key away. */
   printf( "\nKey struck was '%c'\n", _getch() );
}

Sample Output

Hit me!! Hit me!! Hit me!! Hit me!! Hit me!! Hit me!! Hit me!!
Key struck was 'q' 

See Also

Concepts

Console and Port I/O