Using modulus

[noodlecode]

For newer programmers, myself included, modulus is probably the most obscure operator. ie easy to understand, not always easy to find a use for. But when you see an algorithm that uses modulus, it immediately makes sense. How about a few samples where modulus works well.

For example, is a number odd or even

if(x%2 == 0)
number is even
else
its not

or the old stand by for figuring out leap year

if ((yearInt%4==0)&&!(yearInt%100==0)||(yearInt%400==0))
it's a leap year
else
it's not

what else do you guys use it for.

[mvmalderen]

You can use the modulus operator to convert numbers to another base
(e.g: from decimal to octal/hexadecimal/binary/etc.) ...

[Ezzaral]

Movement through a circular structure such as a circular array, degrees of rotation, days of the week, etc.

[mvmalderen]

You can use the modulus operator to convert numbers to another base
(e.g: from decimal to octal/hexadecimal/binary/etc.) ...

Look at this code snippet on Daniweb ...

[thoughtcoder]

For algorithms that directly require modular arithmetic, such as some encryption algorithms.

For writing log messages every Nth time through a loop.

The "do something every Nth time through a loop" problem is probably where you'll see the modulus operator used most often.

[MosaicFuneral]

The "do something every Nth time through a loop" problem is probably where you'll see the modulus operator used most often.

I generally just use the logical AND operator for that.

[thoughtcoder]

Well some people have better things to do than explain why their product can only be configured to use powers of two.