C O N D I T I O N CONTROLLED LOOPS
Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming -
Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Generating a randominteger
Sometimes you need your program to generate
information that isn’t available when you write
your program
One way to solve this problem is to ask your
programming language to select a “random
number” – from there youcan use this number
to construct asomewhat random set of running
conditions
You can generate a random number by using the
randint() function. This function takes two
parameters (a starting integer and an ending
integer) and returns one value (a random integer in
this range)
In order to use the randint() function you must
first “import” the “random” module so that
Python can access the necessary code library.
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Programming Challenge:Rock,
Paper, Scissors
Write a program to ask
the user to select one of
three options - Rock(r),
Paper (p) or Scissors (s)
Use the [Link]()
function to select an
option for thecomputer
Determine thewinner
and print theresult.
¤ Rock beats Scissor
¤ Scissor beats Paper
¤ Paper beats Rock
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Repetition Structures
Programmers commonly find that they need to
write code that performs the same task over and
over again
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Example: Commission calculator
for a sales team
Write aprogram that allows the user to calculate sales
commission earned by each member of asales team.
Currently there are 3 people on the sales team,but
there maybe more in the future.
Input
¤ Gross sales (float)
¤ Commission Rate (float)
Process
¤ Commission = gross sales * commission rate
Output
¤ Commission earned
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Repetition Structures
In the previous example our code ended up being
one long sequence structure which contained alot
of duplicate code
There are several disadvantages to this approach
¤ Your programs will tend to get very large
¤ Writing this kind of program can be extremely time
consuming
¤ If part of the duplicated code needs to be corrected
then the correction must be implemented many times
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Repetition Structures
One solution to this kind of problem is to use a
repetition structure, which involves the following:
¤ Write the code for the operation one time
¤ Placethe code into aspecial structure thatcauses
Python to repeat it as many times as necessary
We callthis a “repetition structure” or,more
commonly,a“loop”
There are a variety of different repetition
structures that can be used in Python
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Condition Controlled Loops
A condition controlled loop isprogramming
structure that causes a statement or set of
statements to repeat as long as a condition
evaluates toTrue
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Condition Controlled Loops
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
The “While”Loop
In Python we can implement acondition controlled
loop by writing a“while” loop
“while” loops work asfollows:
¤ Evaluate a Boolean expression.
¤ If it is False, skip the block of statements associated with
the while loop and condition the program as normal
¤ If it is True
Execute a series of statements.
At the end of the statement block re-evaluate the condition
If it is True,repeat the block of statements
If it is False,skip the block of statements associated with the
while loop and continue the program as normal
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
The “While”Loop
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Programming Challenge:
Commission Calculator
Write aprogram that allows the user to calculate
sales commission earned by each member of a
sales team.
Input
¤ Gross sales (float)
¤ Commission Rate (float)
Process
¤ Commission = gross sales * commission rate
Output
¤ Commission earned
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Some notes of “while”loops
We refer to the process of going through aloop as
an“iteration”
If a loop cycles through 5 times then we say we
have“iterated” through it 5 times
The “while” loop is considered a “pre-test” loop,
meaning that it only iterates upon the successful
evaluation of acondition
This means that you alwaysneed to “set up” your
loop prior to Python being able to work with it
([Link] up acontrolvariable)
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Warning!
When working with a“while” loop there is nothing
to prevent you from writing a Boolean condition
that will never evaluateto False
If this happens your loop will continue executing
forever, or until you send an “inter upt” to IDLE
using the CTRL-C keycombination
We callthis an “infiniteloop” since it never stops
executing
With the exception of a fewspecial cases you
want to try and avoid writing infinite loops
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Trace the Output
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Programming Challenge:Guess the
Number
Write the “guess the
number” game we’ve
seen to use a “while”
loop
Allow the user to
continually guess a
number until they
eventually guessthe
correct number
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Solution
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Programming Challenge:Rock,
Paper, Scissors
Write a program to ask
the user to select one of
three options - Rock(r),
Paper (p) or Scissors (s)
Use the [Link]()
function to select an
option for thecomputer
Determine thewinner
and print theresult.
¤ Rock beats Scissor
¤ Scissor beats Paper
¤ Paper beats Rock
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Solution
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Accumulator Variables andAugmented
Assignment Operators
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
UsingAccumulatorVariables
Set up your accumulator variables outside of your
loops. (Either top of program or before loop)
Decide on a value you want to start your
accumulator values at. 0 or 0.0 is generally a good
starting point depending on whether you are
counting whole numbers or numbers with
fractional values.
Use a self-referential assignment statement when
incrementing an accumulator variable. Example:
¤ counter = counter + 1
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Self-referential assignment statements
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Augmented AssignmentOperators
The self-referential assignment statement that we
justused is extremely useful,and can be extended
to use any of the other math operations we have
covered in class so far.
¤a =a+1
¤ b = b *2
¤ c = c /3
¤ d = d -4
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Augmented AssignmentOperators
However, Python (and most other programming
languages) contains a series of “shortcuts” that can
be used to cut down the amount of typing when
working with self-referential assignment
statements.
We callthese shortcuts the “augmented
assignment operators”
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Augmented AssignmentOperators
Operator Usage Equal to
+= c += 5 c = c + 5
-= c -= 2 c = c – 2
*= c *= 3 c = c * 2
/= c /= 3 c = c / 3
%= c %= 3 c = c % 3
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Programming Challenge:Grocery
Checkout Calculator
Write aprogram that asks the user to enter in a
series of price values
Calculate arunning total of these values
Calculate sales tax (7%) on the total billand display
the result to the user atthe end of the program
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Solution
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Programming Challenge: CoinFlips
Write aprogram that simulates acoin flipping1
million times
Count the # of heads and tailsthat result,and
display the result to the user after you have
finished running the simulation
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Solution
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Sentinels
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Sentinels
Imaginethatyou wantto ask your users to enter inalarge
numberof itemsthatneedto becalculatedinacertain way.
Youdon’tknow how manyvaluestheuser willbe entering.
Given our current toolset wereallyonly havewaysto
handlethiskind of scenario:
¤ Ask the user atthe end of eachiteration ifthey
want to continue. This can be annoying and
makeyour program cumbersome ifyou will be
entering in hundreds or thousands of values.
¤ Ask the user ahead of time how many items
they will be [Link] canbe difficultsince
the user maynot know at the beginningof the
loop how many items they will be working
with.
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Sentinels
A sentinel value is apre-defined value thatthe user can type in to
indicate that they are finished entering data
Example:
¤ >> Enter atest score (type -1 to end):100
¤ >> Enter atest score (type -1 to end):80
¤ >> Enter atest score (type -1 to end):-1
¤ >> Your test averageis:90%
In the example above the value -1 is considered asentinel -- it
indicatesto the program thatthe user is finished entering data.
Sentinels must be distinctive enough thatthey will not be mistaken
for regular data (in the previous example the value -1 was used –
there is no way that a“real”test value could be -1)
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Repetition Flow Control
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
The “break”command
The “break” command is aspecial Python command
that can be used to immediatelyend a loop.
It will not, however,end your program – it simplyends
the current repetition structure and allows the
program to pick up from the line directly after the end
of your loop
Note that when the break command runs it will
immediately terminate the current loop, which
prevents any commands afterthe break command
from running
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Trace the Output
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
The “continue”command
The “continue” command is a special Python
command that can be used to immediatelygo to
the start of theloop.
It will not continue going through the loop, but
goes back to the top and starts from there.
It maybe alittle confusing, but ‘break’breaks the
[Link] ‘continue’immediatelycontinues it from
the start
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Prime NumberTester
Write aprogram that
asks the user for an
integer
Test to see if the
number is prime. A
prime number is any
number that is evenly
divisible by 1 and
itself.
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Solution
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Simple DataValidation
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Simple DataValidation
Often we need to ask the user to supply a value in
our programs
But as you know you can't alwaystrust the user to
supply you with usabledata!
One strategy you can use to ensure that you get
"good" datais to "validate" the user's [Link]
involves asking the user for a value – if it meets
our criteria we can continue. If not we will need
to ask the user to re-supply the value.
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Programming Challenge
Write aprogram that asks the user for apositiveinteger
Do not accepta negative value (or zero) – ifthe user
supplies an invalidvalue you should re-prompt them
Once you haveapositive integer you can print that
number of stars to the screen. For example:
Enter a positive integer: -5
Invalid, try again!
Enter a positive integer: 0
Invalid, try again!
Enter a positive integer: 5
*****
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Solution
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Programming Challenges
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Programming Challenge:Temperature
Conversion
Write aprogram that allows the user to convert a
temperature in Fahrenheit into Celsius using the
following formula
¤ Celsius = (Fahrenheit – 32) * 5/9
After calculating the temperature ask the user if
they wish to continue. If so, repeat the conversion
with a new number. Otherwise end theprogram.
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
DivisibilityTester
Write aprogram that lets the user test to see ifa
series of numbers are evenly divisible by another
number (3). If they are,print out a status message
telling the user.
Extension: Start off by asking the user to enter in
the number that should be used during the test
([Link] 5 ifyou want to test to see ifa range of
numbers is evenly divisible by 5)
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Programming Challenge: Combo Lock
Write a program that asks
the user forthree numbers
Test those numbers against
three “secret” numbers that
represent thecombination to
avirtualpadlock
If the user gets the numbers
right you should let them
know that they have gained
access to your program
If not, allow them to continue
to enter combinations until
they guess correctly
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Programming Challenge:Arithmetic Quiz
Write aprogram thatasks the
user to answer asimplemath
problem (5 + 6)
Continually prompt the user for
the correct answer. If they
answer correctly, congratulate
them and end the program. If
they answer incorrectly you
should re-prompt them for the
answer asecondtime.
Extension: Randomize the
numbers used in the math
problem
Extension: Randomize the type
of problem the user is presented
with ([Link],subtraction)
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Programming Challenge: MyGrades
Write aprogram that
asks the user to enter
in a test score along
with the total points
possible for thetest
Allow the user to enter
in as many scores as he
or she wishes
When finished, calculate
the user’s average score
in the class
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Programming Challenge:Math Quiz Part II
Write aprogram thatasks
the user 5 simple math
problems
Each problem should utilize
random numbers, but you can
standardize on a single
operation ([Link])
Ask the user a question. If
they answer correctly, they
earn a point. If not, they do
not earn apoint.
At the end of the program
present the user with their
score.
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Programming Challenge:AI “Guess a
Number” game
Write a program that
asks the user to supply a
secret number between1
and 1,000,000
Then havethe computer
continually guess until
they find the secret
number
Keep track of the number
of attempts
Extension: How can this
be optimized?
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Programming Challenge:Rock,
Paper, Scissors Tournament
Write aprogram that lets the user playa gameof
Rock, Paper,Scissors against the computer
End the gamewhen either the player or the
computer earns 3 points
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Programming Challenge:Adding Machine
Write aprogram that
continually asks the
user for aninteger
Add the supplied
integer to a total
variable
When the user enters
a 0 value end the
program and display
the sum for theuser
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami
Programming Challenge:Weight Loss Log
Write aprogram thatasks the
user to enter in a series of
weight measurements taken
over aperiod ofdays
The user can enter as many or
as few weight values as they
would like. Entering the value
“0”should indicatethatthe user
has finished enteringdata.
Calculatethe user’saverage
weight during thisperiod
Also calculate their weight
change from the beginning of
their weightloss program to the
end of theprogram
CS101 Introduction to Python Programming - Dr. Zahra Golrizkhatami