Kotlin: Divide Two Numbers

1. Introduction

Kotlin, often lauded for its expressive and modern syntax, makes everyday coding tasks enjoyable. Its interoperability with Java also provides a smooth transition for many developers. In this blog post, we will focus on creating a basic Kotlin program: dividing two numbers inputted by the user.

2. Program Overview

This Kotlin program is structured to:

1. Prompt the user to provide two numbers.

2. Capture the numbers inputted by the user.

3. Divide the first number by the second, ensuring we handle potential division by zero.

4. Present the division's result to the user.

3. Code Program

import java.util.Scanner

fun main() {
    // Initialize the Scanner class to read user input
    val reader = Scanner(System.in)
    
    // Prompt the user to enter the first number
    print("Enter the dividend (the number to be divided): ")
    
    // Capture and store the first number
    val dividend = reader.nextDouble()
    
    // Prompt the user to enter the second number
    print("Enter the divisor (the number to divide by): ")
    
    // Capture and store the second number
    val divisor = reader.nextDouble()
    
    // Check if the divisor is zero to avoid division by zero error
    if (divisor == 0.0) {
        println("Division by zero is not allowed.")
        return
    }
    
    // Perform the division operation
    val quotient = dividend / divisor
    
    // Display the division result to the user
    println("The result of dividing $dividend by $divisor is: $quotient")
}

Output:

Enter the dividend (the number to be divided): 100
Enter the divisor (the number to divide by): 20
The result of dividing 100.0 by 20.0 is: 5.0

4. Step By Step Explanation

1. Setting Up the Scanner: We employ the Scanner class from java.util package to intake user input. Our reader is the instance representing this class.

2. Acquiring the Dividend: We use the print method to guide users to enter their dividend (the number that will be divided). This number is then acquired using reader.nextDouble() and stored in dividend.

3. Acquiring the Divisor: In the same vein, we request the divisor (the number by which the division is to be performed) from the user and save it in the divisor.

4. Zero Divisor Check: Before proceeding with the division, it's crucial to ensure the divisor isn't zero. Division by zero isn't permitted in arithmetic, and our program acknowledges this by checking and delivering an error message if necessary.

5. Division Execution: Once ensured of a valid divisor, the division (dividend/divisor) takes place, and its result is stored in the quotient variable.

6. Result Display: The println function then showcases the division's outcome to the user.

This Kotlin example demonstrates the language's capability to handle user input, conduct arithmetic operations, and implement basic error handling, all wrapped in its clean and concise syntax. It's a foundational step to appreciating the broader features Kotlin brings to the table.