Introduction

In the realm of programming, calculators serve as indispensable tools for performing

mathematical calculations efficiently. Building your own calculator program not only enhances
your understanding of fundamental programming concepts but also provides you with a practical
application to solve mathematical problems. A calculator is an electronic device that is used to
perform arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, etc. We can
create a simple calculator program in C to perform all these basic calculations. This project not
only serves as an excellent learning experience for beginners in C programming but also lays the
foundation for more complex applications.

The utilization of control statements and operators demonstrates the logical flow and decision-
making processes involved in software development. Error handling, such as preventing division
by zero and addressing invalid operators, adds a layer of robustness to the calculator, showcasing
the importance of considering edge cases in real-world applications.

The functionalities of the application are mentioned below:

 Addition
 Subtraction
 Multiplication
 Division
 Logarithmic values
 Square roots

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Approach
All the following steps will be performed inside a never-ending loop so that the calculator
program keeps on working.

Step 1: Take input of operator and then operands.

Step 2: Check whether the user wants to quit the program if yes then quit it, for this, we can use a
special character and tell the user about it, like here we used “x”.

Step 3: Using if-else statements we will check operators and do operations accordingly

Step 4: Simple Calculator Program using switch Statement

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Source code:

// C Program to make a Simple Calculator

// Using switch case

#include <stdio.h>

#include <stdlib.h>

// Driver code

int main()

char ch;

double a, b;

while (1) {

printf("Enter an operator (+, -, *, /), "

"if want to exit press x: ");

scanf(" %c", &ch);

// to exit

if (ch == 'x')

exit(0);

printf("Enter two first and second operand: ");

scanf("%lf %lf", &a, &b);

// Using switch case we will differentiate

// operations based on different operator

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switch (ch) {

// For Addition

case '+':

printf("%.1lf + %.1lf = %.1lf\n", a, b, a + b);

break;

// For Subtraction

case '-':

printf("%.1lf - %.1lf = %.1lf\n", a, b, a - b);

break;

// For Multiplication

case '*':

printf("%.1lf * %.1lf = %.1lf\n", a, b, a * b);

break;

// For Division

case '/':

printf("%.1lf / %.1lf = %.1lf\n", a, b, a / b);

break;

// If operator doesn't match any case constant

default:

printf(

"Error! please write a valid operator\n");

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}

printf("\n");

Algorithm & Flowchart : Simple Calculator

1. Start
2. Declare variables num1, num2, operator, and result.
3. Display a prompt to enter an operator (+, -, *, /) and read the operator.
4. Display a prompt to enter two numbers and read num1 and num2.
5. Use a switch statement or a series of if-else statements to perform the corresponding
operation based on the entered operator:
o If operator is '+', then result = num1 + num2.
o If operator is '-', then result = num1 - num2.
o If operator is '*', then result = num1 * num2.
o If operator is '/', then check if num2 is not zero, and if true, calculate result =
num1 / num2. Otherwise, display an error for division by zero.
o If operator is none of the above, display an error for an invalid operator.
6. Display the result.
7. End

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 Flowchart

Software and hardware requirements

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C Compiler:

o You need a C compiler to compile and execute your C code. Popular choices
include GCC (GNU Compiler Collection), Microsoft Visual C++, or Clang.
Integrated Development Environment (IDE):
o While you can use a simple text editor and the command line to write and compile
your C code, an integrated development environment can provide a more user-
friendly interface. Examples include Code::Blocks, Dev-C++, or Visual Studio
Code with appropriate extensions.

Hardware Requirements:

Processor (CPU):
o Any modern processor should be sufficient for running a simple calculator
program written in C.
Memory (RAM):
o A small amount of RAM is required to run the compiled C program. For a simple
calculator, even a computer with a minimal amount of RAM should be sufficient.
Input Devices:
o A keyboard is necessary to input the operator and numbers for the calculator.
Output Devices:
o A display device (monitor or screen) is required to show the program output,
including the result of the calculations.
8. Operating System:
o The C compiler and IDE you choose should be compatible with your operating
system. C programs can be written and run on various operating systems,
including Windows, Linux, and macOS.

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Output

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 Conclusion

In conclusion, the Simple Calculator project using C provides a fundamental yet effective illustration of
basic programming concepts. Through the implementation of user input, decision-making structures,
and arithmetic operations, the project offers a practical example of how a simple software tool can be
designed to perform essential calculations. Moreover, the project encourages good programming
practices, including code organization, user-friendly input prompts, and clear result presentation. As
developers advance, they can build upon this foundation to create more sophisticated calculators or
expand their repertoire to include graphical user interfaces, additional mathematical functions, and
other features. In essence, the Simple Calculator project is a stepping stone for individuals embarking on
their programming journey, providing hands-on experience in C and setting the stage for more complex
and rewarding software development endeavors.

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 Future enhancements

1. Graphical User Interface (GUI):

- Enhance the user experience by implementing a graphical interface using a library like GTK, Qt, or
Windows API. This can make the calculator more visually appealing and user-friendly.

2. Memory Functions:

- Add memory functions such as storing and recalling previous results. Users could save values to
memory, recall them for future calculations, or clear the memory as needed.

3. Scientific Calculator Functions:

- Expand the calculator to include scientific functions like square root, exponentiation, trigonometric
functions (sin, cos, tan), logarithmic functions, and more. This can transform the simple calculator into a
more powerful tool.

4. Expression Parsing:

- Allow users to input complex mathematical expressions and implement an expression parser to
evaluate and calculate the result. This could involve handling parentheses and following the order of
operations.

5. Unit Conversion:

- Integrate unit conversion features for common measurements like length, weight, volume, and
temperature. This can make the calculator versatile for various purposes.

6. History Feature:

- Implement a history feature that records previous calculations, allowing users to review and reuse
them. This could be particularly useful for users who want to keep track of their calculations.
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7. Custom Functions:

- Allow users to define and store custom functions that they can later use in their calculations. This
adds a level of personalization to the calculator.

8. Error Handling Improvement:

- Enhance error handling by providing more detailed error messages. Instead of a generic error
message, provide information about what went wrong (e.g., division by zero, invalid input).

9. Variable Support:

- Introduce variable support, allowing users to assign values to variables and use them in calculations.
This can make the calculator more versatile for solving equations and problems with variables.

10. Internationalization (i18n):

- Implement language support for users from different regions. Allow users to choose their preferred
language for the calculator interface.

11. Cross-Platform Compatibility:

- Ensure that the calculator can run seamlessly on different operating systems without modification.
This might involve using cross-platform libraries or frameworks.

These enhancements can take a simple calculator project to the next level, making it more feature-rich
and capable of handling a wider range of mathematical tasks.

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 References

1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316940024_C_-
_SIMPLE_CALCULATOR
2. Writing a simple Calculator using C# By Dr. Taek Kwon
3. Thomas J. Bing, Edward F. Redish, Symbolic Manipulators Affect Mathematical
Mindsets, December 2007

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