Entering a while loop with a not equal to string

[bri1547]

I am trying to enter a while loop when a string is not equal to "stop". However, I cannot seem to get it work correctly. I have tried using:

while (!variable.equalsIgnoreCase ("stop") )

and it does not work. I have also tried:

while variable != "stop" // even though != is not a string operator.

I either end up entering the loop when I enter "stop" or I end up with an infinite loop - which really stinks. I have Googled my brains out and can't find anything on entering a while loop if a string is not equal to another string. I have found information for if...else statements, but I am not allowed to use if...else statements. I have to use a while statement.

If anyone could help I would very, very appreciative!

Brian

[Eku]

Can you post your code please ^_^

[Eranga]

Did you try that is equal. If so check the value of variable

[bri1547]

Sure. Here is the entire code. It is a simple payroll program that uses Scanner to input employee name (the variable in question), hourly rate and hours worked and displays the employee's name and gross pay. No overtime calculations are required. I want to exit the program when stop is entered and display an exit message. Here is the code:

// Payroll Program by Brian M. King
// This program calculates an employee's weekly pay
// Week 3 Assignment IT 215

import java.util.Scanner;

public class Payroll2
{
public static void main( String args [] )
{
String employeeName; // Employee's name
double hours; // number of hours worked
double hourlyRate; // employee's hourly rate of pay
double weeklyPay; //calculation of employee's weekly pay

//create scanner to obtain input from command window
Scanner input = new Scanner( System.in );

System.out.print( "Enter the employee's name. Enter 'stop' to quit:" ); //prompt
employeeName = input.next (); // read employee name

while ( !employeeName.equalsIgnoreCase ("stop") );
{
System.out.print( "Enter the number of hours the employee worked: " ); // prompt
hours = input.nextDouble (); // read number of hours

while ( hours < 0 ) // verify a positive value for hours worked
{
System.out.print ( "Please enter a positive value for hours worked:" );// error message
hours = input.nextDouble (); // new value for hours
}

System.out.print( "Enter the employee's hourly rate of pay: $" ); // prompt
hourlyRate = input.nextDouble (); // read employee rate of pay

while (hourlyRate < 0 )
{
System.out.print( "Please enter a positive value for hourly rate of pay:" );// error message
hourlyRate = input.nextDouble ();// new value for hourly rate
}

weeklyPay = hours * hourlyRate; // calculate weekly pay

System.out.printf( "Employee %s", employeeName ); // display employee name
System.out.printf( " earned $%.2f\n", weeklyPay ); // display weekly pay
}

System.out.println( "Thank you for using the Payroll Program!" ); // exit message

} // end method main

} // end class Payroll2

[Eku]

You have a very simple error ^_^

please change this:

while ( !employeeName.equalsIgnoreCase ("stop") );

to This:

while ( !employeeName.equalsIgnoreCase ("stop") )

You put a ";". ^_^ Try removing it ^_^

I hope that helps

[Eku]

Just found a bug on your code.

If i entered a name, it will loop infinitely asking for rate nad number of hours for that same employee.

Try fixing that one ^_^ That is another logic error in your code.

Clue: It has something to do with the line the inputs the employee name and ofcourse the while loop ^_^

[Eranga]

Additional information. Such an error should pointed in a Java IDE. Not exactly you get the error explanation there. But just looking at the error message you should have an idea what happened. Isn't it Eku?

[Eku]

yup the error gives a lot of Clue, but in this case there is no error messages. it is purely Logical error in his loop. ^_^ He can figure that one. =P His Loops going infinitely if you entered a name. ^^

[bri1547]

Thanks so much for your help - with the semi-colon and not prompting for a name again! I really thought I was going to pull my hair out!

[Eku]

No Problem ^_^ just try fixing that bug and ask again if your stuck at something ^^