Design Calculator with Python - Step by Step Tutorial

Python is one of the most popular and adaptable programming languages, known for being easy to learn and understand. Its features are multifaceted and allow for the construction of a wide range of applications, from powerful data analysis to web development. This article explores the development of a basic Python calculator and provides step-by-step instructions.

Understanding the Basics

A calculator's primary functions include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, which are basic arithmetic operations. With just a few lines of code, we can effectively create a fully working calculator by utilising Python's inherent simplicity.

Setting Up the Calculator

To start, we'll define functions for each arithmetic operation: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

def add(x, y):
    return x + y

def subtract(x, y):
    return x - y

def multiply(x, y):
    return x * y

def divide(x, y):
    if y == 0:
        return "Cannot divide by zero"
    return x / y

Creating the User Interface

Next, we'll prompt the user to select an operation and input two numbers. Based on the chosen operation, we'll perform the calculation and display the result.

print("Select operation:")
print("1. Addition")
print("2. Subtraction")
print("3. Multiplication")
print("4. Division")

choice = input("Enter choice (1/2/3/4): ")

num1 = float(input("Enter first number: "))
num2 = float(input("Enter second number: "))

if choice == '1':
    print(num1, "+", num2, "=", add(num1, num2))

elif choice == '2':
    print(num1, "-", num2, "=", subtract(num1, num2))

elif choice == '3':
    print(num1, "*", num2, "=", multiply(num1, num2))

elif choice == '4':
    print(num1, "/", num2, "=", divide(num1, num2))

else:
    print("Invalid input")

Running the Calculator

When executed, the program will display a menu prompting the user to select an operation. After entering the operation of choice and two numbers, it performs the calculation and displays the result.

Conclusion

The basic calculator that is provided emphasises how versatile and easy to use Python is by nature. It can do arithmetic operations in a few lines of code. This design allows for future additions of features or improvements to the user interface.

Python's easy-to-read syntax and readability make it a great place for beginners to start exploring a wide range of applications, from simple utilities like this calculator to more complex ones. With each step you take in Python, a vast array of options opens up, enabling you to write complex and reliable programs.