[Console] How do I return to a previous line?

[Cancer Sol]

I've tried to look up all the different ways to return to a previous line, and don't tell me to use a loop because that's not what I need.
I'm trying make a delete/erase line function, and I've tried doing this before:

c++:

void deleteline() {     cout << "\r                                            \r\b"; //I thought a backspace would have the cursor return to the previous line }

But it didn't work out like I thought it would, unfortunately.
So how can I do something like this?

Also, kinda a newb question, but, should I code like this:

c++:

/* What I do all the time */ cout << "1. Do stuff\n"      << "2. Do other stuff\n"      << "3. Do more stuff\n";

Or this:

c++:

/* What I sometimes see on the internet */ cout << "1. Do stuff\n2. Do other stuff\n3. Do more stuff\n";

I do the first way because it just looks easier to read, but it's just my opinion.
Is it better to the second way because it's shortened?

[Insectoid]

As for your first question, you can't. Not without using complicated platform-dependant libraries that you certainly aren't ready for.

And for your second question, do whichever you prefer. Doesn't really matter.

[DemonWasp]

Insectoid is right about your first question.

For your second, I would suggest:

code:

cout << "1. Do stuff\n"; cout << "2. Do other stuff\n"; cout << "3. Do more stuff\n";

Or:

code:

cout << "1. Do stuff" << endl; cout << "2. Do other stuff" << endl; cout << "3. Do more stuff" << endl;

The latter will force the 'cout' stream to flush every time 'endl' is appended.

Although you can string together the stream operator like you have in that example, I generally prefer one statement per line (especially in C++, where compilers and IDEs aren't great at telling you the exact location of syntax errors).

[Cancer Sol]

Thanks guys.
For my console application, I think I'll just stick with clearing the screen for now, even if it makes flashes I don't like.