pset2 Initials - negative index

Question

I finished the Initials (more comfortable) problem, but when trying to detect initials, I'd like to avoid negative indeces.

Here's what I used for the detection of initials, if it's not a space at first index.

if (i == 0 || name[i-1] == 32)
        {
            printf("%c", toupper(name[i]));
        }

Could it be an issue already, if i==0 and I use a condition refering to index [-1]? Would it be safer to split it up like this?:

if (i == 0)
        {
            printf("%c", toupper(name[i]));
        }
else if (name[i-1] == 32)
        {
            printf("%c", toupper(name[i]));
        }

If I were to allow the access of a negative index. What exactly happens and how can this cause issues?

Thanks

Answer 1

Have you tried?

if (i == 0 || name[i] == 32)
{
    printf("%c", toupper(name[i + 1]));
}

In the most comfortable edition we assume that the user enters the name correctly and that the space is not the last place, it is not necessary to check the limits of the array, for now should suffice with this code.

EDIT: I was thinking less comfortable, you're right. We can consume the spaces in a while loop, in addition to checking the limits

if (i == 0 || name[i] == ' ')
    while(i == ' ') && (i < n))
        i++
    {
        printf("%c", toupper(name[i]));
    }

inside a for loop. Something similar can be done when i! = 0