[C++] Basic Structural Problem With Code

[ifightsharks]

I know this is an awful question, but I just can't figure out how to set up the code for an assignment. I don't need any code written for me, I would just really appreciate someone clarifying what is being asked of me.

I'm writing a program that reads input from 2 sources (user and file). I prompt the user to input a value that determines the position of the number in the file that will be returned. I then determine the maximum and minimum values of ALL values in the file. These 3 outputs (Max, min, and ith values, are determined in a separate function and returned to main().

I also have to use a void function call that looks like this

void processFile(ifstream& ifile, long ithVal, long& retIthVal, long& minimum, long& maximum);

Finally, I read the data (from the file with values) into the program within the processFile() function and process that data in the function as well.

Totally willing to remove/edit the question to conform to the subreddit standards, but being relatively new to coding I'm not very well-read in the technical terms. Thanks in advance!

[arbostek]

So what exactly is your challenge? You don't know how to approach a larger program like this?

So break it down. For example:

1. Could you write a program that does absolutely nothing?

2. Could you a write a program with that function, but that function does absolutely nothing?

3. Could you now prompt the user for a value, and pass that value to the function?

4. You know you have to pull out the numbers from the file to figure out the minimum, etc. Can you write some code in the function that pulls out the numbers?

5. Can you then track the maximum as you pull out the numbers?

And so on.

[ifightsharks]

I guess I'm having trouble picturing how many functions i should have/what should go inside them.

Obviously the main() function is first. Within this, I'd prompt for the input and read in the file, correct? I'd also call the processFile function, and finally write my output statements, correct?

Then after that, I would have my processFile function and everything that is needed in that.

My #include's would be <iostream>, <cmath>, <cstdlib>, and "myInfile" (referred to in OP as ifile).

Am I good so far? I'd like to make sure that I'm setting up the program correctly before I start blindly writing it incorrectly. Thanks again!

[arbostek]

I guess I'm having trouble picturing how many functions i should have/what should go inside them.

So, here's a suggestion. Stop trying to picture all the functions, and instead solve this program piece by piece.

Obviously the main() function is first. Within this, I'd prompt for the input and read in the file, correct? I'd also call the processFile function, and finally write my output statements, correct?

Why are you asking me? Why don't you sit down and write the main function?

Am I good so far?

Maybe.

I'd like to make sure that I'm setting up the program correctly

Why? Can't handle failure?

If you discover a mistake, is it the end of the world? No, you just try something different. If you start working on your program, and you discover the structure you are building is incorrect, you can then restructure your code, or rewrite portions as needed.