title: C++ console free text input (with max character size)
body: <p>I have an object with a <code>std::string</code> field <code>notes</code> that allows a maximum of 100 chars. I need to write a C++ console interface (using <code>IOStream</code>) to let the user input these notes. All characters are allowed, including of course spaces.</p>
  
  <p>What's the best way of doing such thing?</p>
  
  <p>Is there a way to let the user know how many characters are left?</p>
  
  <p>EDIT: Also empty string should be allowed</p>