Analyzing and Improving a Java Code to Find Min and Max in an Array

Introduction

In this blog post, we’ll be analyzing and improving a Java program that finds the minimum and maximum numbers in an array. We’ll review the code, identify areas for improvement, and make necessary changes to enhance its readability and functionality.

Code

import java.util.Scanner;

public class ZamaCodes {
public static void main(String[] args) {
Scanner scanner = new Scanner(System.in);
int arr[] = new int[10];

System.out.println("Enter 10 numbers to populate the array:");

for (int i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
arr[i] = scanner.nextInt();
}

ZamaCodes zama = new ZamaCodes();
System.out.println("The minimum number in the array is: " + zama.findMin(arr));
System.out.println("The maximum number in the array is: " + zama.findMax(arr));
}

public int findMin(int arr[]) {
int min = arr[0]; // Initialize the minimum value with the first element

for (int i = 1; i < arr.length; i++) {
if (arr[i] < min) {
min = arr[i];
}
}

return min;
}
public int findMax(int arr[]) {
int max = arr[0]; // Initialize the maximum value with the first element

for (int i = 1; i < arr.length; i++) { if (arr[i] > max) {
max = arr[i];
}
}

return max;
}
}

Steps

Step 1: Input 10 numbers into the array

The program starts by importing the Scanner class, which allows the user to input values. We create an array called arr to store 10 integers. A loop prompts the user to enter 10 numbers, and each input is stored in the corresponding index of the array.

Step 2: Find the minimum and maximum numbers in the array

After inputting the numbers, we create an instance of the ZamaCodes class and call the min and max methods to find the minimum and maximum numbers in the array, respectively. The results are then printed to the console.

Step 3: Method to find the minimum number in the array

The min method takes an array as an argument and initializes a variable m with the maximum possible value an int can hold. It then iterates through the array, updating m if a smaller value is found. Finally, it returns the minimum value.

Step 4: Method to find the maximum number in the array

The max method is similar to the min method, but it initializes the variable ma with the minimum possible value an int can hold. It updates ma if a larger value is found and returns the maximum value.

Code Analysis and Improvements

1. Naming Conventions:
   • It’s a good practice to follow standard naming conventions in Java. Class names should start with an uppercase letter, and variable and method names should start with a lowercase letter, using camelCase.
2. Scanner Object:
   • The Scanner object is named s in the original code, which is not descriptive. We’ve changed it to scanner for clarity.
3. Constructor Call:
   • In the original code, there’s a call to a non-existent constructor Zamacodes(). We’ve corrected it to ZamaCodes().
4. Array Initialization:
   • Initializing min and max with 1 in the min and max methods is incorrect. We should initialize them with the first element of the array for correct comparison.
5. Array Indexing:
   • Array indexing starts at 0, so initializing m and ma with 1 in the min and max methods is incorrect. We’ve corrected this.
6. Method Refactoring:
   • We’ve renamed min to findMin and max to findMax for better method names that reflect their purpose.
7. Code Comments:
   • Adding comments to explain the purpose of the code and key steps can enhance code readability.

Conclusion

We’ve analyzed and improved the given Java code to find the minimum and maximum numbers in an array. It’s important to follow standard coding practices, use meaningful variable and method names, and ensure correct initialization for accurate results. By applying these improvements, the code becomes more readable, maintainable, and functional.

FAQs

Q1: What does this Java program do?
A: This Java program prompts the user to input 10 numbers, which are then stored in an array. The program calculates and displays the minimum and maximum numbers from the array.

Q2: How does the program get input from the user?
A: The program uses the Scanner class to obtain input from the user. The Scanner class allows the program to read user input from the console.

Q3: How does the program find the minimum and maximum numbers in the array?
A: The program defines two methods: min and max. These methods iterate through the array and compare each element to find the minimum and maximum values, respectively.

Q4: How does the min method work?
A: The min method initializes a variable with the maximum possible value an int can hold. It then iterates through the array, updating the variable if a smaller value is found. Finally, it returns the minimum value.

Q5: How does the max method work?
A: The max method is similar to the min method, but it initializes the variable with the minimum possible value an int can hold. It updates the variable if a larger value is found and returns the maximum value.

Q6: What happens if the user enters fewer than 10 numbers?
A: If the user enters fewer than 10 numbers, the program will wait for additional inputs to complete the array. The program will not proceed to find the minimum and maximum until 10 numbers are provided.

Q7: What if the user enters non-integer values?
A: If the user enters non-integer values, the program will throw an exception and terminate. The program expects 10 integer inputs to function correctly.