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Thread: complex input parsing

  1. #1
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    Default complex input parsing

    Hello everyone!

    I have a problem where i don't know how to start.
    As a java beginner i'm lacking knowledge how to best achieve what i intend to to.

    What i intend to do:
    writing some calculator-like thing but not like the simple ones where you press your buttons for 0-9 plus buttons for certain operations like + ,- and so on.
    What i want is a textfield where you can input things like 2 + 2.32 + (double) 1 - 2.34434f and get the result plus the data type this would have in java.
    So what i want to create is like a small training programm where people (including myself ) can input java expressions and test their understanding of casting and automatic type conversion. In this way i can learn something about how to work with input and about javas mechanics at the same time.

    Is there any efficient and understandable way a beginner could do this?
    Thanks in advance for any advice and help!


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    Default Re: complex input parsing

    There is no way to pour into your head while you sleep the knowledge and skills needed to accomplish what you've described. It's a reasonable project (though I find the idea of specifying the data type annoying - the calculator should just deal with whatever is entered) but somewhat advanced for someone without much Java experience and little/no GUI experience. But you have to start somewhere.

    I recommend you start with the Java Tutorials, ignoring the parts about using the Netbeans GUI Builder.

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    Default Re: complex input parsing

    O_o...i asked in a proper manner..i don't know why i deserve such harsh words.

    and what is annoying about the idea of specifying the data type? i personally would find that usefull...

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    Default Re: complex input parsing

    There was no intent to be harsh, and I apologize if I overstated my point, which was:

    There are no short cuts or guaranteed efficient ways to learning a programming language and becoming proficient and skillful at it. Further, jumping straight to GUI programming without a solid foundation of understanding and experience in programming basics is usually a mistake. If you're already aware of programming basics in another strongly-typed, object-oriented language, including data types, variables, branching, looping, methods/function/subroutines, objects and classes, and arrays, then you should be able to pick up GUI programming in Java using the link I provided above. If you're completely new to programming, then you should spend a few weeks or months studying those topics I listed, writing several examples and exercise programs on each topic. Here's a good, free online book that I recommend to get started. There are links to others I can provide, if you don't find this one understandable. The Java Tutorials is also a good place to start.

    As for a calculator where the user specifies the data type, we can each have our own thoughts on that, and I am not trying to change yours. However, I would suggest that the calculator interface include the ability to specify the data type in some way other than typing it. A graphical interface, should require as little use of the keyboard as possible.

    Good luck, and please come back when you need help!

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    Default Re: complex input parsing

    Quote Originally Posted by Wolfone View Post
    I have a problem where i don't know how to start.
    ...What i want is a textfield where you can input things
    Start there

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    Default Re: complex input parsing

    ok i c...maybe i overreacted. and yes i have way more theoretical knowledge than practical. as a mathematician i did a lot of programming in matlab and algorithms, loops, branches and so an are not the problem. maybe i want too much for now...

    i am aware of the fact that i may be doing things at the moment which aren't necessarily done that way. i don't know. i do it this way to learn something about this specific language and how it works. so first i did was playing around with classes and inheritance, learning how constructors work, how to overload, and so on...doing a little bit of GUI to see if my expectations are met.
    well...i will start as jps said with a textfield that shouldn't be the bigger problem. maybe something that manipulates a string and gives back the manipulated string.
    started reading the GUI tutorial ^^

    thanks you 2

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