Question

a) Read the problem statement. b) Formulate the algorithm using pseudocode and top-down, stepwise refinement. c) Write a Java program. d) Test, debug and execute the Java program. e) Process three complete sets of data. Develop a Java application that will determine whether any of several department-store customers has exceeded the credit limit on a charge account. For each customer, the following facts are available: a) account number b) balance at the beginning of the month c) total of all items charged by the customer this month d) total of all credits applied to the customer's account this month e) allowed credit limit. The program should input all these facts as integers, calculate the new balance ( = brginming balance \(+\text { duarges }-\text { credits }),\) display the new balance and determine whether the new balance exceeds the customer's credit limit. For those customers whose credit limit is exceeded, the program should display the message "Credit 1 imit exceeded".

Short answer

Develop a Java program using pseudocode, refine it, write code, test it, and process data for three customers.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Problem

We need to create a program that checks if a customer's credit limit is exceeded based on their account details. We need to calculate a new balance from the beginning balance, charges, and credits, and compare it to the credit limit.

Develop the Algorithm Using Pseudocode

Write the pseudocode by breaking down the task step by step: 1. Start 2. Input account number 3. Input beginning balance 4. Input charges 5. Input credits 6. Input credit limit 7. Calculate new balance = beginning balance + charges - credits 8. Display new balance 9. If new balance > credit limit, display "Credit limit exceeded" 10. Repeat for other customers 11. End

Perform Top-Down, Stepwise Refinement

Break the pseudocode into smaller pieces and refine each part to focus on: Input handling, Balance calculation, and Display and checking credit limit. This helps in systematically developing the solution.

Write the Java Program

Implement the refined pseudocode into Java: ```java import java.util.Scanner; public class CreditLimitChecker { public static void main(String[] args) { Scanner input = new Scanner(System.in); for (int i = 0; i < 3; i++) { // Assuming processing 3 customers System.out.println("Enter account number:"); int accountNumber = input.nextInt(); System.out.println("Enter beginning balance:"); int beginningBalance = input.nextInt(); System.out.println("Enter total charges this month:"); int charges = input.nextInt(); System.out.println("Enter total credits applied:"); int credits = input.nextInt(); System.out.println("Enter allowed credit limit:"); int creditLimit = input.nextInt(); int newBalance = beginningBalance + charges - credits; System.out.println("New balance: " + newBalance); if (newBalance > creditLimit) { System.out.println("Credit limit exceeded"); } } input.close(); } } ```

Test, Debug, and Execute the Java Program

Run the Java program with test cases to ensure correctness. Check for any compile errors or runtime exceptions, and correct them by reviewing the code logic and syntax.

Process Three Complete Sets of Data

Test the program with three different sets of customer data, ensuring each contains all required details. Verify that the program correctly outputs the new balance and determines if the credit limit is exceeded.

Key concepts

Pseudocode

Pseudocode is a simplified version of programming code written in a way that resembles everyday English. It is used to plan the logic of an algorithm before coding it in a programming language such as Java. Writing pseudocode allows you to focus on the algorithm's logic without worrying about code syntax. This way, you can ensure your solution is well-structured and understandable.

For example, in our credit limit checker problem, pseudocode helps us outline the necessary steps to determine if the credit limit is exceeded by a customer. Here, the pseudocode lists the steps for capturing input data, performing calculations, and displaying results. It uses phrases like "Input account number" and "Calculate new balance" to express the tasks clearly.

Using pseudocode is beneficial because:

• It improves algorithm understanding and communication.
• It serves as a reference when writing actual code.
• It helps identify potential issues early in the development process.

Working with pseudocode can significantly enhance your ability to translate complex problems into solvable pieces of code.

Algorithm Development

Algorithm development is the process of defining a sequence of instructions to solve a given problem effectively. In the context of programming, an algorithm is a step-by-step procedure that guides the logic of your code to achieve a specific end result.

To develop a solid algorithm, you must:

• Understand the problem fully, including inputs and desired outputs.
• Break down the tasks into a logical sequence of operations.
• Consider any constraints or limitations, such as efficiency and simplicity.

In our Java program example for checking customers' credit limits, algorithm development involves using pseudocode to outline operations such as inputting customer data, calculating the new balance, and comparing it with the credit limit.

This process ensures that your program will handle various customer data sets accurately and efficiently, performing calculations and delivering outputs as intended.

Stepwise Refinement

Stepwise refinement is a method of solving problems by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable parts. It is akin to focusing on each piece of an algorithm before addressing the whole. This approach is particularly handy in programming because it makes complex tasks simpler and easier to handle.

When applying stepwise refinement to the credit limit checker, the pseudocode is systematically divided into specific components:

• Input Handling: Manage user inputs for account number, beginning balance, charges, credits, and credit limits.
• Balance Calculation: Perform arithmetic to determine the new balance using the inputs received.
• Display & Check: Show the calculated new balance and check if it exceeds the credit limit, displaying appropriate messages.

Refinement at each level ensures that each block of tasks is well-organized and prevents you from getting overwhelmed by the complexity of the entire program. This method leads to cleaner, more maintainable code and helps catch logical errors early in the development process.

Credit Limit Check

A credit limit check is an essential task for ensuring customers do not exceed their borrowing limits. This check helps both the service provider and the customer maintain financial stability.

In our Java program, the credit limit check involves determining if a customer's new balance surpasses the available credit limit. If it does, the program outputs a message, "Credit limit exceeded," alerting the need for customer attention.The new balance is calculated using the formula:\[\text{New Balance} = \text{beginning balance} + \text{charges} - \text{credits}\]The benefits of performing a credit limit check include:

• Preventing potential debt issues for customers.
• Enabling real-time alerts to customers about their credit status.
• Providing service providers with vital information to manage risk.

Conducting this check promptly and accurately is critical to ensure financial operations remain transparent and secure, fostering trust between the service provider and customers.