CSCI 281 Lab 5 Stacks And Calculator Assignment

Csci 281 Lab 5 Stacks And Acalculatorassig Nm Entusing 2 Stacks To I

Implement a calculator using two stacks to process user input of integers and operators. The user will input a sequence of integers and tokens (+, -, *, /), which are stored in separate stacks—integers in one stack and operators in another. Input continues until the user presses Enter. The program must validate input, ensure correct alternation between numbers and tokens, and limit tokens to four specific operators. Once input collection is complete, the program processes the stacks in order, applying the operators to the numbers and displaying the calculation progress and final result. Proper error handling, stack management, and function modifications are required as specified in the instructions.

Paper For Above instruction

The development of a calculator utilizing two stacks presents an intriguing challenge in understanding data structures, input validation, and algorithm implementation. This paper explores the essential components of such a project, emphasizing the importance of accurate stack management, input validation, and functional modularization to create a reliable calculator program aligned with the given specifications.

In implementing the calculator, the core approach involves the use of two stacks: one for integers and another for operators. The choice of two separate stacks allows for an organized method of handling different data types and simplifies the processing of calculations. Critical to this setup is the strict validation of user input to prevent errors caused by incorrect sequences or excessive tokens. The input process should be designed to accept alternating numbers and operators, with clear prompts and feedback for invalid entries. The system must restrict tokens to the four allowable operators (+, -, *, /) and ensure that the total number of integers exceeds the number of operators by exactly one before proceeding with calculations.

Once data collection is complete, the program enters the processing phase. It begins by popping the first number (initial value) from the integer stack, then reads the first operator from the operator stack, followed by the next number. Based on the operator, a switch statement determines which arithmetic operation to perform, updating a running calculation variable. After executing this operation, the program continues to pop the next number and operator, applying each in turn. Each intermediate step is displayed to the user, showing the ongoing calculation. This process continues until all elements are processed, resulting in the final computation. For example, input like 3 + 5 / 17 – 3 9 + 2 8 + 7 should result in the correct final value, -17, as demonstrated through step-by-step calculations in the instructions.

Validation and error checking are paramount. The program must verify that only valid tokens are entered, restart input if invalid tokens are detected, and ensure alternation (number-token-number) is maintained. It must also check that the difference between the total number of integers and tokens is precisely one, otherwise the input is deemed invalid. These constraints prevent logical errors during calculation and ensure integrity of the input data.

Structurally, the implementation involves creating a new project with a descriptive filename following the specified naming conventions. The code from the class's stack implementation is integrated, ensuring the stack functions are adapted to handle two data types separately, using two top pointers—topInt and topChar. The stack functions—isEmpty(), isFull(), peek(), push(), and pop()—must be modified or duplicated to operate specifically on integers or characters, as appropriate. The printStack() function is adjusted to display both stacks without removing elements.

It is crucial to provide detailed output at each calculation step, displaying the current operation, intermediate results, and final answer. Error messages for invalid inputs and instructions for re-entry enhance user experience and usability. The program's structure should reflect best practices in modular design, stressing code clarity through proper indentation, meaningful variable names, and comprehensive comments that clarify the algorithm for future maintenance or review.

In the testing phase, run the program with various inputs, covering valid sequences, invalid inputs, and edge cases. Verify that the program correctly identifies malformed input, enforces input restrictions, and produces accurate calculations. Ensuring the code is free of errors, adheres to the specifications, and functions reliably will lead to a successful implementation. The final product demonstrates effective use of stacks for expression evaluation, robust error handling, and clear user interaction in line with the project requirements.

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