How to Create a Simple Python Calculator

Step 1: Set Up Your Environment

Before you start coding, make sure you have Python installed on your computer.

You can download it from the official Python website.

Once installed, you can use any text editor or an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like PyCharm, VSCode, or even the default IDLE that comes with Python.

Step 2: Write the Code

Open your text editor or IDE and create a new Python file (e.g., calculator.py). We’ll start by defining the functions for each arithmetic operation.

pythonCopy code# Define functions for basic arithmetic operations

def add(x, y):
    return x + y

def subtract(x, y):
    return x - y

def multiply(x, y):
    return x * y

def divide(x, y):
    if y == 0:
        return "Error! Division by zero."
    else:
        return x / y

Next, we’ll create a simple user interface that allows the user to choose an operation and input numbers.

pythonCopy code# Main program

print("Select operation:")
print("1. Add")
print("2. Subtract")
print("3. Multiply")
print("4. Divide")

while True:
    # Take input from the user
    choice = input("Enter choice(1/2/3/4): ")

    # Check if the choice is one of the options
    if choice in ['1', '2', '3', '4']:
        num1 = float(input("Enter first number: "))
        num2 = float(input("Enter second number: "))

        if choice == '1':
            print(f"{num1} + {num2} = {add(num1, num2)}")

        elif choice == '2':
            print(f"{num1} - {num2} = {subtract(num1, num2)}")

        elif choice == '3':
            print(f"{num1} * {num2} = {multiply(num1, num2)}")

        elif choice == '4':
            print(f"{num1} / {num2} = {divide(num1, num2)}")

        # Ask if the user wants to perform another calculation
        next_calculation = input("Do you want to perform another calculation? (yes/no): ")
        if next_calculation.lower() != 'yes':
            break
    else:
        print("Invalid input")

Step 3: Run the Program

Save your Python file and run it. You should see a menu prompting you to select an operation and enter two numbers. The program will then display the result of the chosen operation.