How to convert errno in UNIX to corresponding string?

avd picture avd · Oct 10, 2009 · Viewed 42.9k times · Source

Is there any function in UNIX to the convert errno to its corresponding string for e.g. EIDRM to "EIDRM". Its very annoying to debug to check for errors with these integer errnos.

Answer

atk picture atk · Oct 10, 2009

strerror() should do it. http://linux.die.net/man/3/strerror

FYI, so that you can find these things more easily, yourself: If you type man errno (or whatever function you're investigating), and look at the very bottom of the man page, you'll see a list of related functions. If you man each of those (taking a guess about which one(s) to do first based on their names) you'll often find the answer to similar questions.