HCI 432: User-Centered Interactive Web Development

Winter 2001

Individual Assignment 3

Basic Javascript: Currency Conversion Calculator

Due Tuesday January 30

Overview

You will create a simple international currency converter using some basic Javascript code.

Assignment goals

• Learn and demonstrate knowledge of basic Javascript programming (Primary Goal).
• Practice preparing a graphical interface with an end-user in mind.

Requirements

The Web is full of simple calculators and converters including those used for metric conversion, mortgage calculation and HTML color codes. For this assignment, you will introduce yet another such calculator. This product produces currency equivalents. For example, if a user wanted to know the equivalent in French francs for US$12, your product would allow the user to supply the figure and then display the amount in francs (approximately 84 francs).

The overall design is up to you, but it should at least follow these requirements:

• Perform conversions for at least 5 different currencies.
• Use only client-side javascript and html coding.
• Provide some safe-guards for invalid input by users.
• Use at least two different kinds of input components (e.g. text boxes, text areas, menus, buttons, etc.)

To demonstrate your understanding of some basic javascript concepts, your program should have the following:

• At least one if statement (perhaps to check for invalid input).
• Clear and easy access to conversion factors at the top of the program.
• The declaration and use of at least one function.

Submission

Ideally you will post your javascript program on a Web server and email me its URL. If one is not available, simply submitting the files is also okay.

Grading

Full credit will be awarded to programs that fulfill all of the requirements, have an orderly display, are well-labeled, and use a consistent HTML Javascript coding style. The quality of the program's layout will not be graded, but students should be prepared to defend their decisions in class.