unable to cout string in C++ -

i new programming , can use c++. have been working on rpg, , reason can't program print out value set string to. started defining string "weapon" in void main.

void main() { string weapon; cin >> weapon; if(weapon = "a") { weapon == "sword"; } } 

i had code sort of , had function above uses "weapon" (which set sword can see code above) @ end of had print out, in function (which above void main) in order both defined variables had define them in both void main , function, when that, nothing appears in program when it's run. had written correctly (what put above example) way doesn't create error defining in both parts of code. says 1 of them hasn't been defined yet defined both function , void main. why isn't working? how fix it? thanks

p.s. did include string library , namespace.

at least read it, have code vaguely this:

void f() {      string weapon;     cout << weapon; }  int main(){      string weapon = "sword";     f(); } 

...and problem value you're assigning weapon in main isn't being used used when call f.

assuming that's correct, you're seeing normal, expected behavior. weapon you've defined in main separate variable weapon define in f. assigning value 1 has no effect on other.

to desired effect, need "pass" value 1 other parameter:

void f(string w) {      cout << w; }  int main() {     string weapon = "sword";    f(weapon); } 

this way, calling f gives copy of current value weapon in main has been assigned, f can use same value.