[Java beginners] Complete guide to creating a calculator app | GUI code explanation

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"I want to learn Java, but I don't know where to start."
"I want to create an app with a screen, not just a console."
This is perfect for such people.Creating a calculator app.

In this article,From basic Java grammar to how to use the GUI (screen display) library Swing,
We will provide detailed explanations so that even beginners can learn by doing.

How to create a calculator app that anyone can easily use to deepen their understanding of JavaWe'll bring it to you in a complete guide format!

Why build a calculator app in Java?

Why is a calculator a good first assignment?

Conclusion: The calculator app allows you to learn everything from appearance to input, calculation, and result display.

For those who are just starting to learn Java, the following problems are common:

  • I don't know what to make to acquire skills
  • I can't write practical code
  • Consoles alone are boring

The solution to these problems isA calculator app that teaches basic Java syntax and GUIis.

For example, by making a calculator you will acquire the following skills:

  • Event handling (response when pressing a button)
  • How to use variables and operators
  • Screen design and layout ideas

The calculator app is a well-balanced introduction to Java.We can say that.


How to display a GUI in Java

Introduction to Swing and basic usage

Conclusion: You can create screens using the Java standard library, Swing.

Swing uses the following elements to display a GUI:

  • JFrame: Window frame
  • JPanel: Base for placement
  • JButton:button
  • JTextField: Number input and display fields

Here is the basic code for the actual window display.

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import javax.swing.*; public class Calculator { public static void main(String[] args) { JFrame frame = new JFrame("Calculator app"); frame.setSize(300, 400); frame.setDefaultCloseOperation(JFrame.EXIT_ON_CLOSE); frame.setVisible(true); } }

You can easily create a screen in Java with just a few lines of code.We can see that.


Calculator app features and design

Overall picture of required parts and layout

Conclusion: It is enough if you can combine buttons and text fields to "input → calculate → display."

Specifically, the following features are required:

  • Number buttons (0 to 9)
  • Operator buttons (+, -, ×, ÷, =)
  • Clear button (C)
  • A text field for displaying the results

An example of a layout configuration:

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JFrame └── JPanel (4x4 layout with GridLayout) ├── Number buttons ├── Calculation buttons └── Clear/Equal buttons

Let's implement the basic functions of a calculator.

Code for inputting numbers, performing calculations, and displaying results

Bottom line: Use event listeners to handle button actions.

Below is the code example for the main part of the calculator app.

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import javax.swing.*; import java.awt.*; import java.awt.event.*; public class CalculatorApp extends JFrame implements ActionListener { JTextField display; double num1, num2, result; String operator; public CalculatorApp() { display = new JTextField(); display.setEditable(false); display.setFont(new Font("Arial", Font.PLAIN, 24)); add(display, BorderLayout.NORTH); JPanel panel = new JPanel(); panel.setLayout(new GridLayout(4, 4, 5, 5)); String[] buttons = { "7", "8", "9", "+", "4", "5", "6", "-", "1", "2", "3", "*", "C", "0", "=", "/" }; for (String text : buttons) { JButton btn = new JButton(text); btn.setFont(new Font("Arial", Font.BOLD, 20)); btn.addActionListener(this); panel.add(btn); } add(panel, BorderLayout.CENTER); setTitle("Calculator app"); setSize(300, 400); setDefaultCloseOperation(EXIT_ON_CLOSE); setVisible(true); } public void actionPerformed(ActionEvent e) { String cmd = e.getActionCommand(); if (cmd.matches("[0-9]")) { display.setText(display.getText() + cmd); } else if (cmd.matches("[+\-*/]")) { num1 = Double.parseDouble(display.getText()); operator = cmd; display.setText(""); } else if (cmd.equals("=")) { num2 = Double.parseDouble(display.getText()); switch (operator) { case "+": result = num1 + num2; break; case "-": result = num1 - num2; break; case "*": result = num1 * num2; break; case "/": result = num2 != 0 ? num1 / num2 : 0; break; } display.setText(String.valueOf(result)); } else if (cmd.equals("C")) { display.setText(""); } } public static void main(String[] args) { new CalculatorApp(); } }

Completed code summary and file structure

Reconfirm the necessary files and their roles

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CalculatorApp.java // Main logic and screen processing

If you use an editor (Eclipse, VS Code, etc.), you can just copy and paste it to run it.


Summary: What Java beginners can learn

In this article,Complete guide to creating a calculator app in JavaI did.

What I learned:

  • Basics of screen display using Swing
  • Combining Event Processing and GUI
  • Java variables, operators and class design
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