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RPN Calculator Implementation in Python

The document outlines a programming test for implementing a Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) calculator in Python, requiring a stack-based approach with methods for pushing and popping numbers and operators. It includes a challenge to create an infix to RPN converter while adhering to operator precedence and error handling. Additionally, it emphasizes best practices in coding, maintainability, and includes a bonus for implementing extra mathematical functions.

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4 views3 pages

RPN Calculator Implementation in Python

The document outlines a programming test for implementing a Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) calculator in Python, requiring a stack-based approach with methods for pushing and popping numbers and operators. It includes a challenge to create an infix to RPN converter while adhering to operator precedence and error handling. Additionally, it emphasizes best practices in coding, maintainability, and includes a bonus for implementing extra mathematical functions.

Uploaded by

z1i4hn14q
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Programming Test

Implement a Reverse Polish Notation calculator in Python

PART I​ (please observe, there are TWO parts in this exercise)

Background

RPN is an alternative method for expressing calculations where operators (such as +, -, * etc)
are placed after their arguments, rather than in between them. We typically use in-fix to express
arithmetic, like:

10 / 5

But in RPN, we use post-fix:

10 5 /

Note that this means that there are no operator precedence rules and subsequent brackets to
manipulate them:

( 1 + 2 ) * 3

becomes

1 2 + 3 *

Implementation

Typically, this would be implemented by way of a stack - numbers are pushed onto the stack,
operators pop the arguments they need, evaluate and push the result back.

The solution requires a module which has a minimum of two or three public methods
push( string )
push( float )
pop( )

The push string should expect either individual numbers or operators and should route valid

Confidential
operators to functions which do the work required. Assuming a method based system and c++, /
would be implemented as:

Code:

div( )
{
float b = pop( );
float a = pop( );
push( a / b );
}

Note:
1. the pop removes and returns the top of stack
2. for non-commutative operators (like / and -), we need to ensure that we map to the in-fix and
as a general rule push( pop( ) / pop( ) ) will be treated as undefined behaviour because
languages typically don't specify the order of evaluation - it is safer to implement operators as
shown.

Testing​:
Input: ​1 2 + 3 *
output: 9.
Input 1 2 * 3 +
output: 5

For node js the input full be provided from console and will evaluate the result when
press return..

For other cases take the input in text field and display on a simple page.

PART II​ : Infix


As a further challenge that builds on everything here, consider developing an infix to RPN
converter with all the ( ) and operator precedence rules honoured. If you do this you will pass
the exercise with 3 gold stars.

Goal

Confidential
When you solve this task, think about the following aspects:

● Make it easy to add more operators in the future. Less code is preferred.
● Try to combine ​functional programming​ best practices like separation of concerns,
with the demand of easy-to-read and easy to maintain code.
● Make sure your implementation scale. If we add thousands of operations to the system,
what will happen?
● Take care about about error handling and error reporting - divide by 0 for instance.
● The project should have code coverage through Unit test. The more the merrier.
● The solution ​should​ be easy to build and to run. The project ​must​ contain a [Link]
file explaining the steps.

Bonus:
Feel free to implement additional operators like sin, cos, tan, square, sqrt etc. This will be
counted as bonus.

Confidential

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