assignments

1

Biggest of Three Numbers

Write a program or script that takes three numbers as input and prints the largest one.

• Accept inputs via command-line arguments, stdin, or prompts.

• Handle equal numbers appropriately (e.g., print the value).

2

File / Directory / Link Check

Given a path, detect whether it's a file, directory, or symbolic link and perform the corresponding action.

If it’s a file:

• Display the file contents.

• Count and show the number of lines.

If it’s a directory:

• List all files inside (optionally recursively or non-recursively; specify behavior in your implementation).

If it’s a symbolic link:

• Indicate that it is a symlink and show the target.

Consider handling errors (non-existent paths, permission issues).

3

Basic Calculator

Create a calculator that performs operations on two numbers. Support at least:

• Addition

• Subtraction

• Multiplication

• Division (handle division-by-zero safely)

Accept inputs and the requested operation (e.g., via flags, menu, or command-line args) and output the result.

4

Factorial of a Number

Compute the factorial of a non-negative integer.

• Handle n = 0 (0! = 1).

• Consider iterative and recursive implementations.

• Validate input (non-negative integers).

5

Sum of a Given Set of Numbers

Sum a list of numbers provided as input arguments.

• Accept numbers via command-line arguments or a single input string.

• Validate inputs and skip or report non-numeric entries as appropriate.

• Output the total sum.

6

Check Services Running or Stopped

Given one or more service names (or identifiers), report whether each service is running or stopped.

• Use platform-appropriate methods (e.g., systemctl on systemd Linux, service / init scripts, or OS-specific APIs).

• For each service, print status (running/stopped/not found) and optionally exit codes or logs when available.

• Handle permission requirements (may need elevated privileges).

7

Retain Recent 20 Files, Delete Others

In a given directory, keep the most recent 20 files and delete the rest.

• Define "recent" (e.g., based on modification time).

• Exclude directories (or define desired behavior for directories).

• Provide a dry-run option to list files that would be deleted without deleting them.

• Handle edge cases: fewer than 20 files, permission errors, and symlinks.