How about diving into some JavaScript practice?

Question

How about diving into some JavaScript practice?

As I embark on my journey to teach myself JS with the help of a less-than-stellar textbook, I find myself stumped by a challenge that requires deciphering the purpose of this code:


function clunk (times) {
    var num = times;
    while (num > 0) {
        display("clunk");
        num = num - 1;
    }
}

function thingamajig (size) {
    var facky = 1;
    clunkCounter = 0;
    if (size == 0) {
        display("clank");
    } else if (size == 1) {
        display("thunk");
    } else {
        while (size > 1) {
            facky = facky * size;
            size = size - 1;
        }
        clunk (facky);
    }
}

function display(output) {
    console.log(output);
    clunkCounter = clunkCounter + 1;
}

var clunkCounter = 0;
thingamajig(5);
console.log(clunkCounter);

I'm struggling to comprehend the logic behind the supposed answer provided in the book, claiming that "clunk" will be displayed in the console 120 times. They attribute it to factorials, but I can't pinpoint where the repetition is coming from. Despite numerous attempts at navigating through it mentally and jotting down notes, all I get is a single instance of "clunk" printed in the console. Could someone guide me through this conundrum or shed light on the elusive factorial operation? Your help would be greatly appreciated!

javascript factorial

Answer 1

Answer №1

Exploring code through debugging can greatly enhance your understanding of it. Instead of going through the code together, I encourage you to try using a method where you can inspect the code step by step on your own.

Debugging involves running the script in a debugging mode with node inspect script.js. This allows you to insert breakpoints like little stop signs in the script, enabling you to analyze the script's execution process as it unfolds.

The primary stop sign used for this purpose is simply debugger.

By incorporating this into your code, the inspect mode will pause at that point, granting you access to different variables and methods within the script directly from the console. This approach helps you monitor how the script interacts with various elements and understand its operation step by step.

This analytical approach deepens your comprehension of the logic behind the script. It is highly recommended that you give it a try.

Check out the script below with the debugger implemented effectively:

function clunk (times) {
    var num = times;
    while (num > 0) {
        display("clunk");
        num = num - 1;
        debugger;
    }
}

function thingamajig (size) {
    var facky = 1;
    clunkCounter = 0;
    debugger;
    if (size == 0) {
        display("clank");
        debugger;
    } else if (size == 1) {
        display("thunk");
        debugger;
    } else {
        while (size > 1) {
            facky = facky * size;
            size = size - 1;
            debugger;
        }
        clunk (facky);
    }
}

function display(output) {
    console.log(output);
    clunkCounter = clunkCounter + 1;
    debugger;
}

var clunkCounter = 0;
thingamajig(5);
console.log(clunkCounter);

Give it a go!

Here are resources on the debugger tool for reference.

PRO TIP: You can simply copy and paste the code into your chrome console to trigger the chrome debugger and start running the script.

Answer 2

Exploring code through debugging can greatly enhance your understanding of it. Instead of going through the code together, I encourage you to try using a method where you can inspect the code step by step on your own.

Debugging involves running the script in a debugging mode with node inspect script.js. This allows you to insert breakpoints like little stop signs in the script, enabling you to analyze the script's execution process as it unfolds.

The primary stop sign used for this purpose is simply debugger.

By incorporating this into your code, the inspect mode will pause at that point, granting you access to different variables and methods within the script directly from the console. This approach helps you monitor how the script interacts with various elements and understand its operation step by step.

This analytical approach deepens your comprehension of the logic behind the script. It is highly recommended that you give it a try.

Check out the script below with the debugger implemented effectively:

function clunk (times) {
    var num = times;
    while (num > 0) {
        display("clunk");
        num = num - 1;
        debugger;
    }
}

function thingamajig (size) {
    var facky = 1;
    clunkCounter = 0;
    debugger;
    if (size == 0) {
        display("clank");
        debugger;
    } else if (size == 1) {
        display("thunk");
        debugger;
    } else {
        while (size > 1) {
            facky = facky * size;
            size = size - 1;
            debugger;
        }
        clunk (facky);
    }
}

function display(output) {
    console.log(output);
    clunkCounter = clunkCounter + 1;
    debugger;
}

var clunkCounter = 0;
thingamajig(5);
console.log(clunkCounter);

Give it a go!

Here are resources on the debugger tool for reference.

PRO TIP: You can simply copy and paste the code into your chrome console to trigger the chrome debugger and start running the script.

Answer 3

Answer №2

Since aviya.developer has already provided guidance on debugging the program, I will focus on explaining the algorithm to you. It appears that you may benefit from further studying programming fundamentals, especially in understanding how loops function. The algorithm utilizes the variables facky and size to calculate the factorial, which is then passed to the display method. By repeating this process for multiple iterations, you can begin to comprehend the flow of the program. The crucial part is the while loop within the thingamajig method.

facky = facky * size;

The initial values are facky being 1 and size being 5. You can easily find the factorial formula online:

n!=n×(n−1)×(n−2)...×2×1

5! = 5 * 4 * 3 * 2 * 1 = 120

Iteration 1: 1 * 5 = 5
Iteration 2: 5 * 4 = 20
Iteration 3: 20 * 3 = 60
Iteration 4: 60 * 2 = 120
Iteration 5: 120 * 1 = 120

This resulting value is then used as input for the clunk function.

The clunk function contains a while loop with a termination condition of num > 0. This means that the iteration continues as long as this condition holds true. Once it becomes false, the iteration ceases.

In essence, the display method will be invoked with the value "clunk" 120 times before the iteration concludes.

When analyzing an algorithm, it's vital to identify the pivotal components/variables/operations and monitor their changes throughout time or iterations. This tracking aids in determining when the desired outcome is achieved.

Answer 4

Since aviya.developer has already provided guidance on debugging the program, I will focus on explaining the algorithm to you. It appears that you may benefit from further studying programming fundamentals, especially in understanding how loops function. The algorithm utilizes the variables facky and size to calculate the factorial, which is then passed to the display method. By repeating this process for multiple iterations, you can begin to comprehend the flow of the program. The crucial part is the while loop within the thingamajig method.

facky = facky * size;

The initial values are facky being 1 and size being 5. You can easily find the factorial formula online:

n!=n×(n−1)×(n−2)...×2×1

5! = 5 * 4 * 3 * 2 * 1 = 120

Iteration 1: 1 * 5 = 5
Iteration 2: 5 * 4 = 20
Iteration 3: 20 * 3 = 60
Iteration 4: 60 * 2 = 120
Iteration 5: 120 * 1 = 120

This resulting value is then used as input for the clunk function.

The clunk function contains a while loop with a termination condition of num > 0. This means that the iteration continues as long as this condition holds true. Once it becomes false, the iteration ceases.

In essence, the display method will be invoked with the value "clunk" 120 times before the iteration concludes.

When analyzing an algorithm, it's vital to identify the pivotal components/variables/operations and monitor their changes throughout time or iterations. This tracking aids in determining when the desired outcome is achieved.

How about diving into some JavaScript practice?

Answer №1

Answer №2

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