Go Program to Divide Two Numbers

1. Introduction

In this blog post, we'll detail the steps to design a Go program that divides two numbers offered by the user.

2. Program Overview

Our targeted Golang program aims to:

1. Prompt the user to input two numbers.

2. Execute the division of the provided numbers.

3. Showcase the resultant quotient to the user.

3. Code Program

// Declaring the main package as the kickoff point for our Go application.
package main

// Incorporating the fmt package to cater to input and output tasks.
import "fmt"

// The core of our program, the main function, commences the execution.
func main() {
    // Three float64 variables are initialized to store the user's numbers and the division result.
    var num1, num2, quotient float64

    // The user is prompted to input the first number, which is then stored in num1.
    fmt.Print("Enter the dividend (the number to be divided): ")
    fmt.Scan(&num1)

    // Similarly, the user is prompted for the second number (the divisor), saved in num2.
    fmt.Print("Enter the divisor (the number by which division is to be performed): ")
    fmt.Scan(&num2)

    // A check to ensure the divisor is not zero to avoid division by zero error.
    if num2 == 0 {
        fmt.Println("Error: Division by zero is undefined!")
        return
    }

    // The division of num1 by num2 is computed, and the result is stowed in quotient.
    quotient = num1 / num2

    // Displaying the result of the division in a structured manner.
    fmt.Printf("The quotient when %v is divided by %v is: %v\n", num1, num2, quotient)
}

Output:

When a user inputs the numbers 20 and 5, the program's display would be:
The quotient when 20 is divided by 5 is: 4

If the user inputs 20 and 0, the program would warn:
Error: Division by zero is undefined!

4. Step By Step Explanation

1. Package and Import Directives: The journey begins with package main, marking our program's genesis. The fmt package is then summoned for its invaluable input-output tools.

2. Variable Announcements: With the help of the var keyword, we proclaim three float64 variables. These placeholders will hold the user-fed numbers and the ensuing quotient.

3. Gathering User Input: fmt.Print plays the role of the prompter, while fmt.Scan acts as the collector, gathering user responses into the designated variables.

4. Division Mechanics: Prior to division, a vital check ensures the divisor isn't zero to circumvent any mathematical ambiguities. The / operator then conducts the division, with the quotient being lodged in the aptly named quotient variable.

5. Result Exhibition: Lastly, fmt.Printf takes center stage, presenting the outcome of the division to the user in an organized format.