C++ Item Frequency Tracker: Robust Coding for Data Analysis

Comprehensive C++ Item Frequency Tracker

This C++ program, centered around the ItemTracker class, offers a comprehensive solution for tracking item frequencies with functionalities such as searching, list printing, and histogram display. Ideal for students seeking help with their C++ assignments, the program exemplifies robust coding practices, incorporating error handling for both file operations and user input. The modular structure of the code, encapsulated within the class, promotes readability and maintainability. With a user-friendly menu system, the program provides an interactive experience for users to efficiently analyze and visualize item frequencies, making it an invaluable resource for those working on C++ assignments related to data processing and manipulation.

Block 1: ItemTracker Class Definition


class ItemTracker
{
private:
map frequencyMap;
static const char* inputFileName;
static const char* outputFileName;
public:
ItemTracker()
{
readInputFile();
writeOutputFile();
}
void readInputFile();
void writeOutputFile();
void searchItem();
void printList();
void printHistogram();
};

Explanation:

ItemTracker is a class that maintains a map (frequencyMap) to store the frequency of each item.
inputFileName and outputFileName are static constants representing the input and output file names.
The constructor initializes the object by reading the input file and writing the output file.

Block 2: Static Constants Initialization


const char* ItemTracker::inputFileName = "CS210_Project_Three_Input_File.txt";
const char* ItemTracker::outputFileName = "frequency.dat";

Explanation:

Initialization of static constants representing input and output file names.

Block3: readInputFile Method


void ItemTracker::readInputFile()
{
ifstream inputFile(inputFileName);
if (!inputFile)
{
throw runtime_error("Error: Could not open input file " + string(inputFileName));
}
string item;
while (inputFile >> item)
{
frequencyMap[item]++;
}
inputFile.close();
}

Explanation:

Opens the input file and throws an exception if it fails.
Reads each item from the file and updates its frequency in frequencyMap.

Block 4: writeOutputFile Method


void ItemTracker::writeOutputFile()
{
ofstream outputFile(outputFileName);
if (!outputFile)
{
throw runtime_error("Error: Could not open output file " + string(outputFileName));
}
map::const_iterator it;
for (it = frequencyMap.begin(); it != frequencyMap.end(); ++it)
{
outputFile << it->first << " " << it->second << endl;
}
outputFile.close();
}

Explanation:

Opens the output file and throws an exception if it fails.
Writes the item frequencies to the output file.

Block 5: searchItem Method


void ItemTracker::searchItem()
{
string item;
cout << "Enter the item you wish to look for: ";
cin >> item;
if (frequencyMap.count(item) > 0)
{
cout << "Frequency of item \"" << item << "\": " << frequencyMap.find(item)->second << endl;
}
else
{
cout << "Item not found." << endl;
}
}

Explanation:

Takes user input for an item and searches for its frequency in frequencyMap.
Prints the frequency or a message if the item is not found.

Block 6: printList Method


void ItemTracker::printList()
{
map::const_iterator it;
for (it = frequencyMap.begin(); it != frequencyMap.end(); ++it)
{
cout << it->first << " " << it->second << endl;
}
}

Explanation:

Prints the list of items and their frequencies.

Block 7: printHistogram Method


void ItemTracker::printHistogram()
{
map::const_iterator it;
for (it = frequencyMap.begin(); it != frequencyMap.end(); ++it)
{
cout << it->first << " ";
for (int i = 0; i < it->second; i++)
{
cout << "*";
}
cout << endl;
}
}

Explanation:

Prints a histogram representation of item frequencies using asterisks.

Block 8: getValidChoice Function:


int getValidChoice()
{
int choice;
while (true)
{
cout << "Enter your choice (1-4): ";
cin >> choice;
if (cin.fail() || choice < 1 || choice > 4)
{
cin.clear();
cin.ignore(numeric_limits

::max(), '\n');
cout << "Invalid choice. Please enter a number between 1 and 4." << '\n';
}
else
{
break;
}
}
return choice;
}

Explanation:

Takes user input for the menu choice and ensures it is a valid integer between 1 and 4.

Block 9: main Function


int main()
{
try
{
ItemTracker itemTracker;
int choice;
do
{
// Menu display and user interaction
// Switch case for menu options
} while (choice != 4);
}
catch (const exception& e)
{
cerr << e.what() << '\n';
return 1;
}
return 0;
}

Explanation:

The main function instantiates an ItemTracker object and provides a menu for user interaction.
It catches exceptions and prints error messages if any occur.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this C++ item frequency tracker not only exemplifies best coding practices but also caters to students seeking support with their C++ assignments. Its modular design ensures readability and maintenance ease, while the robust error handling enhances overall reliability. The user-friendly menu system and diverse functionalities make it a versatile tool for efficiently managing and analyzing item frequencies. Whether you are navigating the intricacies of file operations or seeking interactive features for data visualization, this program stands as a valuable asset. With a commitment to excellence and user-friendly design, this C++ solution remains poised to assist both learners and developers in their endeavors, providing a solid foundation for item frequency analysis.