Chapter 5.1. Loops

In the present chapter, we will get familiar with how to repeat blocks of commands, known in software development as "loops". We will write several loops using the for operator in its simplest form. Finally, we will solve some practical problems that require repeating a series of actions, using loops.

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Repetitions of Blocks of Code (For Loop)

Often in programming, we have to execute a block of code multiple times. To do that, we use the so-called loops. Let us look at an example of a for loop that passes sequentially through the numbers from 1 to 10 and prints them:

The loop starts with the operator for and passes through all values for a particular variable in a given range, for example, the numbers from 1 to 10 (included), and for each value, it performs a series of commands.

When declaring the loop, an initial value and an end value are specified. The body of the loop is enclosed in curly brackets { } and represents a block of one or multiple commands. The figure below shows the structure of a for loop:

In most cases, a for loop is run from 1 to n times(for example from 1 to 10). The purpose of the loop is to pass sequentially through the numbers 1, 2, 3, …, n, and for each number to perform a particular action. In the example above, the i variable takes values from 1 to 10, and the current value is printed in the body of the loop. The loop repeats 10 times, and each of these repetitions is called an "iteration".

Problem: Numbers from 1 to 100

Write a program that prints the numbers from 1 to 100. The program does not accept input and prints the numbers from 1 to 100 sequentially, each on a separate line.

Hints and Guidelines

We can solve the problem using a for loop, which will assign values from 1 to 100 to the variable i and print the numbers in the body of the loop:

Start the program with [Shift+F10] and test it:

Testing in The Judge System

Test your solution here: https://judge.softuni.org/Contests/Practice/Index/655#0.

You should get 100 points (fully accurate solution).

Code Snippet for The for Loop in IntelliJ IDEA

In software development, we regularly need to write loops dozens of times a day. That is why in most integrated development environments (IDE), there are code snippets for writing loops. One such example is the snippet for the for loop in IntelliJ IDEA. Write down fori in the Java code editor in IntelliJ IDEA and press [Enter]. IntelliJ IDEA will run the snippet, and you will see the entire for loop written down. All you have to do now is to add the values.

Try it yourself to master using the code snippet for the for loop in IntelliJ IDEA.

Problem: Numbers Ending in 7

Write a program that finds all numbers within the range [1 … 1000] that ends with 7.

Hints and Guidelines

We can solve the problem by combining a for loop, which will go through the numbers from 1 to 1000, and a condition to check if they end with 7. There are other solutions too, but let's solve the problem using a loop + condition:

Testing in The Judge System

Test your solution here: https://judge.softuni.org/Contests/Practice/Index/655#1.

Problem: Latin Letters

Write a program that prints the letters from the Latin alphabet: a, b, c, …, z.

Hints and Guidelines

It is good to know that the for loops don't work only with numbers. We can solve the problem by running a for loop that passes sequentially through all letters in the Latin alphabet:

Testing in The Judge System

Test your solution here: https://judge.softuni.org/Contests/Practice/Index/655#2.

Problem: Sum Numbers

Write a program that reads n integers from the console and calculates the sum.

• The first line of the input is an integer n denoting the number of integers that will be summed.
• The following n lines consist of one integer.
• Calculate the sum and print the result.

Sample Input and Output

Hints and Guidelines

We can solve the problem by calculating the sum of numbers the following way:

• We read the input number n.
• Initially, we start with sum = 0.
• We run a loop from 1 to n, and on each iteration, we read the input number num and add it to the sum.
• Finally, we print the calculated result sum.

Below you can find the source code for the solution:

Testing in The Judge System

Test your solution here: https://judge.softuni.org/Contests/Practice/Index/655#3.

Problem: Max Number

Write a program that inputs n integers (n > 0) and finds the Max Number (the largest number) among them. The first line of the input specifies the number of integers n. The following n lines consist of one integer. Examples:

Sample Input and Output

Hints and Guidelines

We enter the first number n (the number of integers to be entered). We assign the current maximum max an initial neutral value, for example -100000 (or Integer.MIN_VALUE). Using a for loop which iterates n-1 times, we read one integer num on each iteration. If the read number num is higher than the current maximum max, we assign the value of num to the variable max. Finally, max will contain the highest number, and we print it on the console.

Testing in The Judge System

Test your solution here: https://judge.softuni.org/Contests/Practice/Index/655#4.

Problem: Min Number

Write a program that inputs n integers (n > 0) and finds the Min Number among them. The first line of the input specifies the number of integers n. The following n lines consist of one integer. Examples:

Sample Input and Output

Hints and Guidelines

The problem is identical to the previous one, but this time we will start with another neutral starting value 10000000000000 (or Integer.MAX_VALUE).

Testing in The Judge System

Test your solution here: https://judge.softuni.org/Contests/Practice/Index/655#5.

Problem: Left and Right Sum

Write a program that inputs 2 * n integers and checks if the sum of the first n numbers (left sum) is equal to the sum of the second n numbers (right sum). If the sums are equal, print "Yes" + sum, if not, print "No" + difference. Calculate the difference as a positive number (absolute value). The format of the output must be identical to the examples below.

Sample Input and Output

Hints and Guidelines

Input the number n, after that the first n numbers (left half) and sum them up. Input the second n numbers (right half) and find their sum. We calculate the difference between the sums by absolute value: Math.abs(leftSum - rightSum). If the difference is 0, print "Yes" + sum, otherwise print "No" + difference.

Testing in The Judge System

Test your solution here: https://judge.softuni.org/Contests/Practice/Index/655#6.

Problem: Odd Even Sum

Write a program that inputs n integers and checks if the sum of numbers on even positions is equal to the sum of numbers on odd positions. If the sums are equal, print "Yes" + sum, otherwise print "No" + difference. Calculate the difference as a positive number (absolute value). The format of the output must be identical to the examples below.

Sample Input and Output

Hints and Guidelines

We input the numbers one by one and calculate the two sums (the numbers on even positions and the numbers on odd positions). Identically to the previous problem, we calculate the absolute value of the difference and print the result ("Yes" + sum if the difference equals 0 or "No" + difference in every other case).

+= is a combined assignment operator that is used frequently. It adds the value of the right to the left operand and then assigns the result to the left operand. C += A is equivalent to C = C + A.

Testing in The Judge System

Test your solution here: https://judge.softuni.org/Contests/Practice/Index/655#7.

Problem: Vowels Sum

Write a program that inputs text (string), calculates and prints the sum of the values of vowels according to the table below:

Sample Input and Output

Hints and Guidelines

We read the input text s, after that, we null the sum and run a loop from 0 to s.length() - 1 (text length -1). We check every letter s.charAt(i) if it is a vowel and add its value to the sum.

Testing in The Judge System

Test your solution here: https://judge.softuni.org/Contests/Practice/Index/655#8.

What Have We Learned from This Chapter?

We can repeat a block of code using for loop:

We can read a series of n numbers from the console:

Problems: Loops

After we had acquainted with the loops, it is time to solidify what we have learned by practicing it, by writing a lot of code. Let us solve some problems for exercise.

Creating a new project in IntelliJ IDEA

We start by creating a new project in IntelliJ IDEA to better organize our solutions for the exercise. For each problem, we will create a separate class.

Start IntelliJ IDEA and select: [Create New Project].

After that, on the left side of the window, select Java. If the PROJECT SDK: field is empty, choose the path to the Java JDK installation directory and click on the button [Next].

In the next window, we again click on the button [Next].

We name the project (Project name:) Loops and select the directory where the project will be saved (Project location:). After that, we click on the button [Finish].

In the next window, we click on the [OK] button to create a Project location if the directory doesn't exist.

We created a new project. If we click on the triangle in front of Loops on the left side of the window, the structure of the project itself will open.

To create a Package in our project, which contains all the classes with the solutions from the exercise, right-click with the mouse on src, then select New -> Package and name it problems (with a small first letter).

To create a new class for the first problem, right-click with the mouse on problems, select New -> Java Class, and name it problem_01 (with a capital letter).

After these changes, the structure of the project should look like this:

For each subsequent exercise, we will create a new class in the way described above.

Problem: Half Sum Element

Write a program that inputs n integers and checks if there is a number among them that is equal to the sum of all others. If there is such an element, print "Yes" + its value. Otherwise, print "No" + the difference between the largest element and the sum of the rest, as an absolute value.

Sample Input and Output

Hints and Guidelines

We must calculate the sum of all elements, find the largest of them and check the condition.

Testing in The Judge System

Test your solution here: https://judge.softuni.org/Contests/Practice/Index/655#9.

Problem: Odd \/ Even position

Write a program that reads n numbers and calculates the sum, the min, and max values of the numbers on even and odd positions (counted from 1). If there is no min / max element, print "No".

Sample Input and Output

Hints and Guidelines

The problem combines several previous problems: finding the min, max, and the sum, as well as processing elements on even and odd positions. Check your solutions to the previous problems again.

In the current problem, it is better to work with fractions (not integers). The sum, the min, and the max value will also be fractions. We have to use a neutral starting value in finding the min / max value, for example 10000.0 and -10000.0. If the result is equal to the neutral value, we will print “No”.

Testing in The Judge System

Test your solution here: https://judge.softuni.org/Contests/Practice/Index/655#10.

Problem: Equal Pairs

There are 2 * n numbers. The first and the second form a pair, the third and the fourth number also, and so on. Each pair has a value – the sum of its numbers. Write a program that checks if all pairs have equal values.

If the value is the same, print "Yes, value=…" + the value otherwise, print the maximum difference between two consecutive pairs in the following format - "No, maxdiff=…" + the maximum difference.

The input consists of number n, followed by 2*n integers, one per line.

Sample Input and Output

Hints and Guidelines

We read the input numbers in pairs. For each pair, we calculate the sum. While reading the input pairs, for each pair, except the first one, we have to calculate the difference with the previous one. To do that, we need to store the sum of the previous pair in a separate variable. Finally, we find the largest difference between the two pairs. If it is 0, print “Yes” + the value, otherwise - “No” + the difference.

Testing in The Judge System

Test your solution here: https://judge.softuni.org/Contests/Practice/Index/655#11.

Problem: Graphical and Web Applications

In the current chapter, we learned about loops as construction in programming that allows us to repeat a given action or a group of actions many times. Now let us play with them. To do that, we will draw some figures that will consist of many repeating graphical elements. This time, we will not do it in the console but in a graphical environment using "turtle graphics". It will be interesting. And it is not at all complicated. Try it!

Problem: Turtle Graphics GUI Application

The purpose of the following exercise is to play with a drawing library, also known as “turtle graphics”. We will build a graphical application (GUI App) in which we will: draw different figures, moving our “turtle” across the screen via operations like "move 100 positions forward", "turn 30 degrees to the right", "move 50 more positions forward". The application will look approximately like this:

Let us get familiar with the concept of drawing "Turtle Graphics". Take a look at the following sources:

• Definition of “turtle graphics”: https://wiki.c2.com/?TurtleGraphics
• Article on "turtle graphics" in Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turtle_graphics
• Interactive online tool for drawing with a turtle – https://blockly-games.appspot.com/turtle

We will start by creating a new Java project in IntelliJ IDEA. Add a new package app (earlier in this chapter we described how to do it). Download MyTurtle.java and jturtle-0.1.1.jar from https://github.com/SoftUni/Programming-Basics-Book-Java-EN/tree/master/assets/chapter-5-1-assets. MyTurtle.java is a pre-written class, which will help us get acquainted faster with the library jturtle-0.1.1.jar, which runs the turtle. Using file explore, we copy MyTurtle.java into the directory app of the project. Then we need to add the external library jturtle-0.1.1.jar in our project. This is done as follows:

• Select Project Structure from the File menu (CTRL + SHIFT + ALT + S).
• Click on Select Modules in the left pane.
• Click on the Dependencies tab.
• Click '+' → JARs or directories.

In the next window select the path to jturtle-0.1.1.jar and click [OK].

In the next window, mark the box classes and click [OK].

In the next window, click [OK], and we are ready to open MyTurtle.java.

Main Methods in Turtle Class

These are the main actions in Turtle class with which we draw:

To create a method that draws a triangle in MyTurtle.java we find the empty method drawTriangle() and write the following code:

This code moves and rotates the turtle, which is initially in the center of the screen (in the middle of the shape) and draws an equilateral triangle. You can edit and play with it.

We start the application with [Shift + F10]. We test it if it works (press the [Draw] button several times):

Now we can change and make the code of the turtle more complicated by adding the following to our method drawTriangle():

Again, start the application with [Shift + F10]. Test if the new program for the turtle works:

Now our turtle is drawing more complex shapes.

Let us write the code for the other two buttons: the purpose of the button [Reset] is to delete the drawn graphic and position the turtle in its starting position. We add the following code to the method resetTurtle() :

The purpose of the button [Hide / Show Turtle] is to show or hide the turtle. We add the following code to the method showTurtle() :

Again, start the application with [Shift + F10] and test whether both buttons work correctly.

Problem: * Draw a Hexagon with The Turtle

Add [Hexagon] button which draws a regular hexagon:

Hint:

Repeat 6 times the following in a loop:

• 60 degrees rotation.
• Forward step of 100.

Adding a New Button for Drawing a Shape

To add a new button for drawing a new shape, we can trace the logic in MyTurtle.java for the button [Draw] and create a new button for drawing a Hexagon.

First, we add the new figure in enum Shape:

We create a new button and add ActionListener, which assigns to shape the new enum value:

Then add the new button in bList:

Create a new method drawHex() through which the turtle draws a hexagon. Mandatory at the end of the method shape = "" because this line will prevent the repeated execution of our method!

In Thread t add case "Hexagon" to call the method drawHex():

Problem: * Draw a Star with The Turtle

Add [Star] button, which draws a star with 5 vertices (star pentagon), as shown in the figure below:

Hint:

Change the color: turtle.setPenColor(Color.green);.

Repeat 5 times the following in a loop:

• Forward step of 200.
• 144 degrees rotation.

Problem: * Draw a Spiral With The Turtle

Add a [Spiral] button, which draws a spiral with 20 vertices, as shown in the figure below:

Hint:

Draw in a loop by moving ahead and rotating. Gradually increase the length of the forward movement with each step and turn it 60 degrees.

Problem: * Draw a Sun with The Turtle

Add [Sun] button, which draws a sun with 36 vertices, as shown in the figure below:

Problem: * Draw a Spiral Triangles with The Turtle

Add [Spiral Triangle] button, which draws three triangles with 22 vertices each, as shown in the figure below:

Hint:

Draw in a loop by moving forward and rotating. In each step, increase the length of the forward step by 10 and rotate 120 degrees. Repeat 3 times for the three triangles.

If you have a problem with the exercises above, ask for help in the official SoftUni Reddit Forum: https://www.reddit.com/r/softuni/.