Simple Calculator Program in Java

Introduction

In this guide, we will develop a simple calculator program in Java that can perform basic arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The program will take input from the user, process the input, and display the result of the operation.

Problem Statement

The task is to create a calculator that can handle the following operations:

• Addition (+)
• Subtraction (-)
• Multiplication (*)
• Division (/)

The program should prompt the user to input two numbers and an operator, then perform the corresponding operation and display the result.

Example 1:

• Input: 5, 3, +
• Output: 8.0

Example 2:

• Input: 10, 2, /
• Output: 5.0

Example 3:

• Input: 7, 3, *
• Output: 21.0

Solution Steps

1. Prompt the User for Input: Ask the user to enter two numbers and an operator.

2. Perform the Operation: Use a switch statement to determine which operation to perform based on the operator provided by the user.

3. Display the Result: After performing the operation, display the result to the user.

Java Program

import java.util.Scanner;

/**
 * Simple Calculator Program in Java
 * Author: https://www.javaguides.net/
 */
public class SimpleCalculator {

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Scanner scanner = new Scanner(System.in);

        // Prompt the user for input
        System.out.print("Enter first number: ");
        double num1 = scanner.nextDouble();

        System.out.print("Enter second number: ");
        double num2 = scanner.nextDouble();

        System.out.print("Enter an operator (+, -, *, /): ");
        char operator = scanner.next().charAt(0);

        double result;

        // Perform the operation
        switch (operator) {
            case '+':
                result = num1 + num2;
                break;

            case '-':
                result = num1 - num2;
                break;

            case '*':
                result = num1 * num2;
                break;

            case '/':
                if (num2 != 0) {
                    result = num1 / num2;
                } else {
                    System.out.println("Error! Division by zero.");
                    return;
                }
                break;

            default:
                System.out.println("Invalid operator! Please use +, -, *, or /.");
                return;
        }

        // Display the result
        System.out.println("The result is: " + result);
    }
}

Step by Step Explanation

1. User Input: The program begins by prompting the user to input two numbers (num1 and num2) and an operator (+, -, *, or /).

2. Operation:

   • The switch statement is used to determine which operation to perform based on the operator.
   • The program checks the operator:
     • If it’s +, the program adds num1 and num2.
     • If it’s -, the program subtracts num2 from num1.
     • If it’s *, the program multiplies num1 by num2.
     • If it’s /, the program divides num1 by num2 but checks if num2 is zero to avoid division by zero.
   • If the operator is not recognized, the program displays an error message and exits.

3. Result Display: The program prints the result of the operation to the user.

Output Examples

Example 1: Addition

Enter first number: 5
Enter second number: 3
Enter an operator (+, -, *, /): +
The result is: 8.0

Example 2: Division

Enter first number: 10
Enter second number: 2
Enter an operator (+, -, *, /): /
The result is: 5.0

Example 3: Multiplication

Enter first number: 7
Enter second number: 3
Enter an operator (+, -, *, /): *
The result is: 21.0

Example 4: Division by Zero

Enter first number: 10
Enter second number: 0
Enter an operator (+, -, *, /): /
Error! Division by zero.

Conclusion

This simple calculator program demonstrates how to take user input in Java and perform basic arithmetic operations. By using a switch statement, the program can handle different operators and provide the corresponding result. This program is a good starting point for beginners to learn about user input, control flow, and basic arithmetic in Java.