Variables and Simple Math
Explore how to declare variables and use simple math operators in C++. Understand how to create flexible code that calculates totals dynamically, using a real-world point-of-sale receipt project. Practice updating values and applying discounts to build a functional receipt generator.
The project
Let’s revisit the POS systems: We’ve all been out shopping.
We arrive at the mart, purchase our items, proceed to the cash counter, scan our items through the system, and then experience the point of sale. There’s this machine there. There is a person behind the counter, but a machine prints the receipts.
Someone has built a system using code for that machine and the receipt it prints. This is what the receipt looks like.
You have been hired to create this point-of-sale system! You can see the sample receipt.
You know how to print stuff on the screen already, but you don’t want to hardcode everything. You want a flexible enough system such that if the price of an item changes, you don’t have to change the code manually at various places.
The same applies to the quantity of items.
The programming concept
Today’s programming concept is the variable.
In C++, a variable is a named container in memory that stores data, such as numbers, prices, or quantities, that your program can use later. You’ll also learn about arithmetic operators, which allow you to perform calculations ...