Unlocking the Power of Number Systems: A Guide to Decimal and Octal Conversions
The Basics of Number Systems
When working with computers, understanding number systems is crucial. Two essential number systems used in programming are decimal and octal. While decimal is the most commonly used number system, octal has its own advantages, particularly in computer programming.
Converting Decimal to Octal: A Step-by-Step Process
So, how do we convert decimal numbers to octal? The process involves dividing the decimal number by 8 and keeping track of the remainders. Let’s take a look at an example program that demonstrates this conversion.
Example 1: Decimal to Octal Conversion
When you run this program, the output will be:
Enter a decimal number: 18
Octal equivalent: 22
This conversion takes place as:
18 ÷ 8 = 2 with a remainder of 2
The resulting octal number is 22.
The Reverse Process: Converting Octal to Decimal
Now, let’s explore the opposite process – converting octal numbers to decimal. This involves multiplying each digit of the octal number by powers of 8 and adding them up.
Example 2: Octal to Decimal Conversion
When you run this program, the output will be:
Enter an octal number: 22
Decimal equivalent: 18
This conversion takes place as:
(2 × 8^1) + (2 × 8^0) = 18
The resulting decimal number is 18.
Java Code for Octal and Decimal Conversions
Here’s the equivalent Java code that demonstrates both conversions:
“`java
import java.util.Scanner;
public class DecimalOctalConverter {
public static void main(String[] args) {
Scanner scanner = new Scanner(System.in);
System.out.print(“Enter a decimal number: “);
int decimal = scanner.nextInt();
String octal = Integer.toOctalString(decimal);
System.out.println(“Octal equivalent: ” + octal);
System.out.print("Enter an octal number: ");
String octalInput = scanner.next();
int decimalEquivalent = Integer.parseInt(octalInput, 8);
System.out.println("Decimal equivalent: " + decimalEquivalent);
}
}
“`
This Java program provides a simple way to convert between decimal and octal number systems.