Simple Java Project: To-Do List (Console-Based) — Detailed Guide

A To-Do List is a practical project for Java beginners. It demonstrates user input, collections, menu-driven logic, and the basics of organizing data. Let’s break down the full process with easy explanations and a complete code example.

What Will This To-Do List App Do?

• Allow users to add tasks.
• Show the current list of tasks.
• Remove tasks by number.
• Exit the app via menu.

All these actions will be performed in the terminal/console, using only core Java (no GUIs or external libraries).

Step 1: Required Java Concepts

This mini-project will help you practice:

• Using ArrayList to store tasks dynamically.
• Writing loops and switch/case (menu).
• Accepting and validating user input with Scanner.
• Writing and calling methods for organization.

Step 2: Import Required Classes

java
import java.util.Scanner;
import java.util.ArrayList;

Step 3: Define the Main Program Structure

You’ll need:

• An ArrayList<String> to store your tasks.
• A loop to repeatedly show the menu.
• Methods for each operation (add, remove, show).

java
public class ToDoListApp {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Scanner scanner = new Scanner(System.in);
        ArrayList<String> tasks = new ArrayList<>();
        int choice;

        do {
            System.out.println("\n--- To-Do List Menu ---");
            System.out.println("1. Add Task");
            System.out.println("2. View Tasks");
            System.out.println("3. Remove Task");
            System.out.println("4. Exit");
            System.out.print("Enter your choice: ");
            choice = scanner.nextInt();
            scanner.nextLine();  // Clear the newline

            switch (choice) {
                case 1:
                    System.out.print("Enter task description: ");
                    String task = scanner.nextLine();
                    tasks.add(task);
                    System.out.println("Task added!");
                    break;
                case 2:
                    System.out.println("Your tasks:");
                    if (tasks.isEmpty()) {
                        System.out.println("No tasks yet.");
                    } else {
                        for (int i = 0; i < tasks.size(); i++) {
                            System.out.println((i+1) + ". " + tasks.get(i));
                        }
                    }
                    break;
                case 3:
                    if (tasks.isEmpty()) {
                        System.out.println("No tasks to remove!");
                    } else {
                        System.out.println("Enter the task number to remove:");
                        for (int i = 0; i < tasks.size(); i++) {
                            System.out.println((i+1) + ". " + tasks.get(i));
                        }
                        int removeIndex = scanner.nextInt();
                        scanner.nextLine();  // Clear newline
                        if (removeIndex > 0 && removeIndex <= tasks.size()) {
                            tasks.remove(removeIndex - 1);
                            System.out.println("Task removed.");
                        } else {
                            System.out.println("Invalid task number!");
                        }
                    }
                    break;
                case 4:
                    System.out.println("Goodbye!");
                    break;
                default:
                    System.out.println("Invalid choice! Please enter 1-4.");
            }
        } while (choice != 4);

        scanner.close();
    }
}

Explanation of Key Parts

1. ArrayList tasks

• Stores the description of each to-do task.
• ArrayList is used because tasks can be added/removed as needed.

2. The Menu Loop (do-while)

• Keeps running until the user selects "Exit".
• Each case in switch shows the related operation.
• scanner.nextLine() is used to read task descriptions (and clear newlines).

3. Adding and Viewing Tasks

• Adding: Prompt user, append to tasks list.
• Viewing: Loop through tasks, display with numbering.

4. Removing Tasks

• Show current tasks with numbers.
• Ask for the number, remove the corresponding task (after checking it’s valid).

5. Exiting

• Case 4 in the switch ends the loop and says goodbye.

How to Run the To-Do List

1.Copy the complete code into a file named ToDoListApp.java.

2.Open a terminal in the file’s folder.

3.Compile:

text
javac ToDoListApp.java

4.Run:

text
java ToDoListApp

5.Use menu options to manage your to-do list!

Possible Expansions

Once you complete the basic version, try to:

• Save/load tasks from a file (using Java I/O).
• Add task priorities or deadlines.
• Mark tasks as completed/incomplete.
• Add input validation for empty or blank tasks.

Why This Project Helps Beginners

• Reinforces loop, collection, and input basics.
• Shows how to build a usable, interactive tool.
• Teaches menu-driven programming — a core skill.
• Easily extendable as your skills grow.

With a simple To-Do List app, you practice logical thinking, Java syntax, and clean structure. Finish this project, then tweak and expand it to solidify your Java foundations!

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