Counting down using C++

Question

I completed a practice while loop lesson for C++ where they ask for user input pertaining to total number of seconds. We are to then create a while loop that counts down from the number given on down to "0". Initially I wrote:
Int seconds;
cin>>seconds;
while(seconds >= 0){
seconds--;
cout<<seconds<<endl;
{
No matter the input starting number, my output would start at 1 number less than the input number anf countdown to -1. To beat this I just created a variable: int num = secounds + 1
and then wrote in the while loop:
while(num > 0){
num--;
cout<<num<<endl;

Whith this, I received all green lights and passed. I feel like this was a cheat and want to know if this is the way a countdown is to be done in C++ or if there is a better (correct) way and if so, why did I get the result of counting down from a number 1 less than the given number on down to -1, with my original entry?

Answer 1

You count down before printing. Just reverse the order of the statements inside the loop to print first and count down after.

Answer 2

Simon,

Thanks. Your advice worked. So simple!