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Main Function Parameters for Calculator in Python

In this exercise, you will develop a Python program that performs basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division based on command line inputs. This exercise is perfect for practicing command-line input handling, arithmetic operations, and conditional statements in Python. By implementing this program, you will gain hands-on experience in handling command-line input, performing arithmetic operations, and using conditional statements in Python. This exercise not only reinforces your understanding of command-line input handling but also helps you develop efficient coding practices for managing user interactions.



Group

Mastering Functions in Python

Objective

Develop a Python program that performs basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division based on command line inputs. For example, running the program with calc 5 + 379 will compute the sum. The input must consist of two numbers and an operator, with allowed operators being +, -, *, or /. The program will analyze the command line parameters to determine the appropriate operation.

Example Python Exercise

 Copy Python Code 
import sys  # Importing the sys module to access command line arguments

# Checking if the correct number of arguments are passed
if len(sys.argv) != 4:  
    print("Usage: calc   ")  # Print usage if arguments are incorrect
    sys.exit(1)  # Exit the program with an error code

# Extracting the numbers and operator from the command line arguments
num1 = float(sys.argv[1])  # Convert the first argument to a float (number1)
operator = sys.argv[2]  # The operator (+, -, *, /)
num2 = float(sys.argv[3])  # Convert the third argument to a float (number2)

# Performing the operation based on the operator
if operator == '+':
    result = num1 + num2  # Perform addition
elif operator == '-':
    result = num1 - num2  # Perform subtraction
elif operator == '*':
    result = num1 * num2  # Perform multiplication
elif operator == '/':
    if num2 == 0:
        print("Error: Division by zero is not allowed")  # Handle division by zero
        sys.exit(1)  # Exit the program with an error code
    result = num1 / num2  # Perform division
else:
    print("Error: Invalid operator")  # Handle invalid operator
    sys.exit(1)  # Exit the program with an error code

# Print the result of the operation
print(f"The result of {num1} {operator} {num2} is: {result}")

 Output

Case 1:
python calc.py 5 + 379
The result of 5.0 + 379.0 is: 384.0

Case 2:
python calc.py 10 / 0
Error: Division by zero is not allowed

Case 3:
python calc.py 25 * 4
The result of 25.0 * 4.0 is: 100.0

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