Writing a method to write a method?

[balla]

I am curious if there is a way to use a string that's syntactically the same as the body of a method to define a method by the program. I wanted to make a program where the user is prompted to type in a function (3x^2+(2x-3)^.5 for example) and then have the program create a class or method to call in order to evaluate the function at different x-values. this is easy if one knows the function ahead of time--just write it inside a method in proper syntax and have the method return the answer--but I don't know how or if I can (after "translating" the above into something like 3*Math.pow(x,2)+Math.pow(2*x-3,.5)) code the program to create a new method or a class with a method that returns the function evaluated at a given x. Any pointers or directions to go with this would be greatly appreciated :D

[Solarsonic]

I don't see the point of this... why don't you just use parameters...

[Junky]

You can write generic code to evaluate any expression. First you have to convert it from infix (3 + 2) to postfix (3 2 +).

[lovelesh]

Just to give you pointers, you can follow these steps:
1. Define constants for each operator in your class, e.g.

public static final String power = "Math.pow";

2. write a method which creates a java file.

File generatedfile = new File("Generator.java");
      FileWriter writer= new FileWriter(generatedfile );

3. Now start evaluating the expression entered by user, which includes:
a. find the operator entered by user,
b. find the corresponding String defined by you, i.e if user entes ^, the you know it means Math.pow is to be used. You will have to use if else in your code for all the possible operators.
c. Now write the generated string to java file created above.
4. Make sure you write all the writing all the modifiers properly in the generated file.
5. Close the filewriter object.

You are done

[JosAH]

You have a couple of options:

1) write your own interpreter for the language you want to implement; advantage: you can do what you want; disadvantage: you have to implement it all yourself.

2) use the built-in Javascript interpreter; advantage: it has all been written for you; disadvantage: you're bound to Javascript.

3) use beanshell it's a Java interpreter; advantage: it's Java but interpreted; disadvantage: 'vendor lock in'.

I'd personally go for option 3). Beanshell integrates perfectly with your own Java code.

kind regards,

Jos

[balla]

Thanks all, This helps a lot :D what class do I use to execute the code generated in lovelash's example?