Question

Hi guys. I don't know where to start coding this in python 3.
Write a program to simulate a vending machine and calculate change based on the amount paid. Given the cost, the user should
first be prompted to add more money until the cost is met/exceeded by the payment.
Assume that all change is given in coins only and coins come in the following denominations: R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c

Answer 1

I use 2.7 so I don't know if some of what I say may not apply, but clearly you are going to use a raw_input to prompt the user for payment and store the input as a variable.

Answer 2

Yes alright I'm following you...

Answer 3

I don't know if you want your coins as a dictionary or what...

Answer 4

#coins=0
#prompt user to pay at least amount n (cost of item)
#calculate remaining change
#while change still owed and changedue - currentcoin > 0
#subtract that from the change due
#increment number of coins
#if largest coin more than change due
#set current coin to be the next smallest coin
#return coins

Answer 5

Here's and example of an output:
Sample I/O:
Enter the cost (in cents):
750
Deposit a coin or note (in cents):
500
Deposit a coin or note (in cents):
500
Your change is:
1 x R2
1 x 50c

Answer 6

so you just need to keep track of each kind of coin, are you comfortable with dictionaries?

Answer 7

what are dictionaries?

Answer 8

I see, it's a data structure that I would recommend for this problem, but it's not necessary

Answer 9

I am understanding your pseudo code, its giving me a starting point to approach the actual coding. Thank you, its really appreciated

Answer 10

so instead you could make a list of each coin, and it's name
coins=[5, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.2, 0.1, 0.05]
names=[R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c] (make those strings)
then at the end you can match up the coins with their names when you print out the return

Answer 11

welcome!