C#
Number helpers
Add number conversion and calculation methods.
Number helpers
Our second helper is Clamp: it keeps a number within a given range. If the value is in range it is unchanged; if below min it becomes min; if above max it becomes max. Declaration: public static int Clamp(int value, int min, int max).
Example: Helpers.Clamp(15, 0, 10) returns 10 because 15 is greater than 10. Helpers.Clamp(-3, 0, 10) returns 0. This is useful to keep user input or a game score in a safe range.
Using Clamp
Real-world uses of Clamp include keeping a percentage within 0-100 (Clamp(percent, 0, 100)), limiting a game level to 1-99, or pulling a color channel into 0-255.
The body is three simple conditions: if (value < min) return min;, if (value > max) return max;, return value;. This structure is clear, fast, and predictable. No complex math needed.
Exercise Add the Clamp method and call it
The Helpers class below already has Capitalize. Now add a public static int Clamp(int value, int min, int max) method. In the body write if (value < min) return min;, if (value > max) return max;, return value;. Inside Main print Helpers.Clamp(15, 0, 10).
Show example solution
Add the Clamp method to Helpers. In Main write Console.WriteLine(Helpers.Clamp(15, 0, 10));
Example solution:
using System;
static class Helpers
{
public static string Capitalize(string text)
{
if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(text)) return text;
return char.ToUpper(text[0]) + text.Substring(1);
}
public static int Clamp(int value, int min, int max)
{
if (value < min) return min;
if (value > max) return max;
return value;
}
}
class Program
{
static void Main()
{
Console.WriteLine("Ready");
Console.WriteLine(Helpers.Capitalize("hello"));
Console.WriteLine(Helpers.Clamp(15, 0, 10));
}
}
Test yourself
-
Complete the Clamp body
if (value < min) return ____;
Show answer
if (value < min) return min;
-
What is Helpers.Clamp(15, 0, 10)?
public static int Clamp(int value, int min, int max) { ... }
Show answer
10 — Correct. Since 15 is greater than 10, the max value 10 is returned.
-
Match each method to its behavior
- Clamp
- Squeezes into range
- Min
- Takes the smallest
- Max
- Takes the largest
- Abs
- Absolute value
Next lesson: Date helpers
