Question

The process of finding the largest value (i.e., the maximum of a group of values) is used frequently in computer applications. For example, a program that determines the winner of a sales contest would input the number of units sold by each salesperson. The salesperson who sells the most units wins the contest. Write a pseudocode program and then a Java application that inputs a series of 10 integers and determines and prints the largest integer. Your program should use at least the following three variables: a) counter: A counter to count to 10 (i.e., to keep track of how many numbers have been input and to determine when all 10 numbers have been processed). b) number: The integer most recently input by the user. c) largest: The largest number found so far.

Short answer

Find and print the largest of 10 input integers using a loop and comparison logic.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Requirement

We need to find the maximum number from a set of 10 integers. We'll achieve this by comparing each input number with the current highest number recorded and then updating if the new number is larger.

Outline the Pseudocode

1. Initialize counter to 0. 2. Initialize largest to a very small number (or the first input number). 3. Loop while counter is less than 10: - Input number. - If number is greater than largest, set largest to number. - Increment counter by 1. 4. After loop ends, output the largest number.

Set Up Initial Variables in Java

Initialize three variables: `int counter = 0`; `int number = 0`; `int largest = Integer.MIN_VALUE;` (or initialize largest using the first input, depending on the approach).

Implement the Loop Structure

Use a while loop to repeat the input and comparison process until all 10 numbers are processed: `while (counter < 10)`. In each iteration, request user input for the number and store it in the variable `number`.

Compare and Update Largest

Within the loop, compare the `number` with `largest`. If `number` is greater than `largest`, then update `largest` to hold the value of `number`.

Increment the Counter

After comparing, increment the counter using `counter++` to track that a number has been processed.

Output the Largest Number

Once the loop ends, use `System.out.println("Largest number is " + largest);` to display the largest number found.

Key concepts

Pseudocode

Pseudocode is like a blueprint for your program. It helps you outline the basic flow of your code and figure out the logic before you actually write it in a programming language. In our exercise about finding the maximum value, pseudocode serves as a great way to keep track of our ideas without worrying about the syntax errors of actual programming code.

Writing pseudocode makes programming much easier because:

• It helps you articulate your thought process succinctly.
• You can avoid getting bogged down by programming syntax.
• It provides a clear structure, which acts as a guide when converting to code later.

For the maximum value problem, pseudocode may look like: 1. Initialize a counter to 0 and largest to a small number. 2. Loop while the counter is less than 10: - Ask the user for a number. - Check if this number is larger than the current largest. - Update the largest if it is. - Increment the counter. 3. Once the loop is complete, print out the largest number.

This approach ensures planning before diving into coding directly, making the coding process smoother and more straightforward.

Java Programming

Once you've created your pseudocode, it's time to convert this logic into a working Java program. Java is a versatile programming language widely used for its platform independence and robustness. In the context of our exercise, Java provides several features that make it particularly appropriate for implementing the pseudocode we outlined. Let's explore how to integrate this into Java.

In Java, you start by setting up three key variables:

• `int counter = 0;` tracks how many numbers you processed.
• `int number = 0;` holds the latest number entered by the user.
• `int largest = Integer.MIN_VALUE;` keeps the largest number found.

To handle the program's control structure, you mainly use a `while` loop. This loop is perfect for repeating tasks until a condition is met. Here, it repeats input and comparison tasks ten times. The condition `counter < 10` ensures the loop executes until we have processed all the numbers.

Using Java's `System.out.println`, you can then display the largest value found at the end, offering a user-friendly experience by providing clear output.

Loop Structures

Loop structures are crucial in programming as they allow you to perform tasks repeatedly without writing the same code multiple times. In the context of this exercise, loop structures are used to cycle through user inputs and comparisons efficiently until all numbers are processed.

Java offers several looping structures, such as `for` loops, `while` loops, and `do-while` loops, each serving different use cases. In our application, we leverage a `while` loop. This type of loop is fitting when the number of iterations is determined by a condition rather than a set number of times upfront.

The `while` loop operates as follows:

• It continually checks if the counter is less than 10.
• If true, it performs actions inside the loop: accepting input, comparing, updating largest if needed, then incrementing the counter.
• Once the counter reaches 10, the loop exits, signaling all numbers are processed.

The iteration is a crucial part of maximizing efficiency in your program. Without loops, the task of finding the maximum value from multiple inputs would be repetitive and cumbersome. Using a `while` loop simplifies this by automating the process in a set, logical manner.