Why is the gets function so dangerous that it should not be used?

When I try to compile C code that uses the gets() function with GCC, I get this warning:

(.text+0x34): warning: the `gets’ function is dangerous and should not be used.

I remember this has something to do with stack protection and security, but I’m not sure exactly why.

How can I remove this warning and why is there such a warning about using gets()?

If gets() is so dangerous then why can’t we remove it?

13 Answers
13

Leave a Comment