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pythonweek3

The document contains two code examples: the first demonstrates countdown and countup functions based on user input, while the second illustrates error handling for division by zero. The countdown function counts down from a positive number or counts up from a negative number, printing 'Blastoff!' at zero, while the division function raises a ZeroDivisionError if the second number is zero. It emphasizes the importance of error handling to prevent crashes and maintain a smooth user experience.

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falakfraidoon
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2 views

pythonweek3

The document contains two code examples: the first demonstrates countdown and countup functions based on user input, while the second illustrates error handling for division by zero. The countdown function counts down from a positive number or counts up from a negative number, printing 'Blastoff!' at zero, while the division function raises a ZeroDivisionError if the second number is zero. It emphasizes the importance of error handling to prevent crashes and maintain a smooth user experience.

Uploaded by

falakfraidoon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Q1: code:

def countdown(n):
if n <= 0:
print('Blastoff!')
else:
print(n)
countdown(n - 1)

def countup(n):
if n >= 0:
print('Blastoff!')
else:
print(n)
countup(n + 1)

def main():
num = int(input("Enter a number: "))
if num > 0:
countdown(num)
elif num < 0:
countup(num)
else:
# For input of zero, I chose to call countdown function,
# as it counts down to zero and then prints "Blastoff!"
countdown(num)

if __name__ == "__main__":
main()
Output for respective inputs:
1. Positive number:

When the user inputs the positive number 5, the program initiates the countdown
function. Initially, since 5 is greater than 0, the program proceeds to the else block within
the countdown function. It prints the current value of 5 and then recursively calls
countdown(4). Inside this recursive call, the process repeats: it prints 4 and then calls
countdown(3). This recursive chain continues until the argument reaches 0. At this point,
the function prints "Blastoff!" and returns, causing the program to unwind the recursion.
Finally, the program exits from the recursive calls, leading to the output "5 4 3 2 1
Blastoff!", as it counts down from 5 to 1 and then prints "Blastoff!" when it reaches zero.
2 Negative number:

When the user inputs the negative number -6, the program calls the countup function. Since
-6 is less than 0, the program enters the else block within the countup function. It prints the
current value of -6 and then recursively calls countup(-5). Inside this recursive call, the
process continues: it prints -5 and then calls countup(-4). This recursive chain persists until
the argument reaches 0. At this juncture, the function prints "Blastoff!" and returns, causing
the program to unwind the recursion. Finally, the program exits from the recursive calls,
resulting in the output "-6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 Blastoff!". In this manner, it counts up from -6 to -1
and then prints "Blastoff!" when it reaches zero.
3. Zero:

Explanation of choice for input of zero: I chose to call the countdown function for input of zero
because it fits the natural progression of counting down from a positive number to zero and then
printing "Blastoff!". This maintains consistency with the behavior of the countdown function.
Alternatively, one could choose to call the countup function for zero as well, as counting up
from zero also eventually leads to "Blastoff!". However, I decided to stick with the countdown
approach for zero for simplicity and consistency with the original function's behavior.

Q 2: code
def divide_numbers(a, b):
if b == 0:
raise ZeroDivisionError("Error: Division by zero is not allowed")
return a / b

def main():
try:
num1 = float(input("Enter the first number: "))
num2 = float(input("Enter the second number: "))
result = divide_numbers(num1, num2)
print("Result of division:", result)
except ZeroDivisionError as e:
print(e)

if __name__ == "__main__":
main()
Output:

Output demonstrating the runtime error:

Explanation of error handling significance:


Error handling is crucial in programming, especially when dealing with user input or external
data sources, as it helps prevent unexpected crashes and provides a graceful way to handle
exceptional cases. In the case of division by zero, not handling the error can lead to a runtime
error, crashing the program and potentially causing data loss or disrupting the user experience.
By implementing error handling techniques, such as using try-except blocks, we can anticipate
potential errors like division by zero and handle them gracefully. In the provided example, the
try-except block catches the ZeroDivisionError raised by the divide_numbers function when the
second number is zero. Instead of crashing the program, it prints an informative error message,
indicating the cause of the error.
Without error handling, the program would crash abruptly when encountering a division by zero
error, leaving the user confused and frustrated. Additionally, if the program is part of a larger
system or application, an unhandled error could propagate through the system, causing cascading
failures and potentially compromising the integrity of data or services. Therefore, error handling
is essential for robust and reliable software development.
References:
Downey, A. (2015). Think Python: How to think like a computer scientist. Green Tree Press.
Python Software Foundation. (2021). Python Language Reference, version 3.9. Available at
Python.org.
https://www.python.org
Severance, C. (2016). Python for Everybody. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

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