C PROGRAMMING PROGRAM • SWITCH & MENU PROGRAMS
Build a Calculator Using switch
Learn how to build a calculator using switch using a clear C program.
PROBLEM UNDERSTANDING
Input and expected output
Sample input
18 + 6
Sample output
Result = 24.00
COMPLETE C PROGRAM
Complete C implementation
#include <stdio.h>
int main(void)
{
double first, second, result;
char operator;
printf("Enter an expression (example: 18 + 6): ");
scanf("%lf %c %lf", &first, &operator, &second);
switch (operator) {
case '+': result = first + second; break;
case '-': result = first - second; break;
case '*': result = first * second; break;
case '/':
if (second == 0) { printf("Division by zero is not allowed.\n"); return 0; }
result = first / second;
break;
default: printf("Invalid operator.\n"); return 0;
}
printf("Result = %.2f\n", result);
return 0;
}CURRENT STEP
SELECTED LINE
EXPECTED OUTPUT FOR THE SAMPLE
Result = 24.00
Step 0 of 0
PROGRAM EXPLANATION
Algorithm and explanation
- Read the required input values.
- Use the entered operator as the switch expression and execute the matching arithmetic case.
- Display the computed result.
Use the entered operator as the switch expression and execute the matching arithmetic case.
EFFICIENCY
Time and space complexity
Time complexity
O(1)
Auxiliary space
O(1)
DEBUGGING CHECKLIST
Common mistakes
Check this
Use the correct format specifier for every variable.
Check this
Initialize variables before using their values.
Check this
Check braces, semicolons and input order carefully.
Try it yourself
Practice: Run the program with the sample input, predict its output, and then test one boundary case of your own.
