weight_generator.c

// Generate random weight numbers within a range and assign to elephants

#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
#include <time.h>

#define MAX_ELEPHANT_SEAL_WT_MALE 8800
#define MIN_ELEPHANT_SEAL_WT_MALE 4400

#define RANGE       4400
#define POPULATION  1000
#define WEIGHT_OVER rand() % RANGE
#define WEIGHT      WEIGHT_OVER + MIN_ELEPHANT_SEAL_WT_MALE
#define FILL        for (i = 0; i < POPULATION; i++) \
                    data[i] = WEIGHT

void print_data (int d[], int size) {
  int i;
  for (i = 0; i < size; i++) {
    printf("%d\t", d[i]);
    if ((i + 1) % 10 == 0) printf("\n");
  }
}

int main () {
  int i;
  int data [POPULATION];
  srand(time(0));
  FILL;
  print_data(data, POPULATION);
  printf("\n\n");
  return 0;
}

Overview

This program generates random weights for a population of elephant seals, based on pre-defined weight ranges. It utilizes macros to simplify the weight calculation and prints the generated weights in a tabular format.

Code Details

Key Macros

  • MAX_ELEPHANT_SEAL_WT_MALE: Defines the maximum weight for a male elephant seal (8800 lbs).
  • MIN_ELEPHANT_SEAL_WT_MALE: Defines the minimum weight for a male elephant seal (4400 lbs).
  • RANGE: The range of weights (4400 lbs, calculated as MAX - MIN).
  • POPULATION: The number of elephant seals in the population (1000 seals).
  • WEIGHT_OVER: Generates a random weight offset within the range.
  • WEIGHT: Calculates the actual weight by adding the offset to the minimum weight.
  • FILL: A macro to populate the data array with random weights.

Functions

  • void print_data(int d[], int size):
    • Prints the elements of the provided array (d) in rows of 10.
    • Parameters:
      • d[]: The array of weights.
      • size: The size of the array.

main()

  • Initializes an array (data) to store the weights of the population.
  • Seeds the random number generator using the current time (srand(time(0))).
  • Fills the data array with random weights using the FILL macro.
  • Prints the generated weights using the print_data function.

Usage

  1. Compile the program using a C compiler, e.g., gcc weight_generator.c -o weight_generator.
  2. Run the program: ./weight_generator.
  3. The output will display 1000 weights in rows of 10, representing the weights of the elephant seals.

Example Output

4402    5000    6000    4800    7600    8800    7000    4600    5800    5400
...

Dependencies

  • Standard C libraries:
    • <stdio.h>: For input/output functions.
    • <stdlib.h>: For random number generation.
    • <time.h>: For seeding the random number generator.

Additional Notes

  • The program is designed specifically for male elephant seals, as indicated by the defined weight range.
  • The use of macros simplifies the code but can make debugging more challenging.
  • The population size (POPULATION) and other constants can be adjusted as needed.