Linked Counters - Lab 3

COE318: Object-Oriented Programming

Overview This Java program implements a positional number system using linked Counter objects, where each digit is a separate object that may be linked to a "left neighbor" digit. The counters work together to represent numbers in an arbitrary base, and simulate the behavior of counting systems like base-4, base-10, etc.

This lab focuses on practicing object linking, using conditionals, and understanding recursive or chained behavior in objects.

Project Files

• Counter.java: Represents a single digit in the number system. Can link to a left neighbor to represent higher-order digits.
• CounterTry.java: A driver class that demonstrates the use of linked counters.

How It Works Each Counter object:

• Holds a modulus (e.g., base 10 means modulus = 10)
• Holds its own current digit value
• Optionally holds a reference to a left neighbor Counter
• When increment() is called:
  • The digit increases by one
  • If it overflows (equals the modulus), it resets to zero
  • If it has a left neighbor, that neighbor is incremented recursively

The getCount() method returns the full number the Counter represents by combining the digits using positional math.