Print Sin Wave

Crate a C# console application that renders a sine wave graph using ASCII characters directly in the terminal window.

Solution

This is a creative visualization program that demonstrates mathematical function plotting in a text-based environment. It draws a smooth sine wave across the entire console window using asterisk (*) characters, with user-configurable amplitude. The wave automatically adapts to the console window dimensions.

namespace PrintSin
{
    internal class Program
    {
        // Display the graph of the function f(x) = A * sin(ω * x)
        // with stars in text mode on the console
        static void Main(string[] args)
        {
            Console.Write("Amplitude = ");
            var str = Console.ReadLine();
            var A = Convert.ToInt32(str);

            var width = Console.WindowWidth;
            var height = Console.WindowHeight;
            for (var i = 0; i < width; i++)
            {
                var j = (int)(height / 2.0 - A * Math.Sin(2 * Math.PI * i / width));
                Console.SetCursorPosition(i, j);
                Console.Write('*');
            }
            Console.ReadKey();
        }
    }
}

Features

• User-defined amplitude parameter
• Automatic adaptation to console window size
• Real-time ASCII art rendering of sine function
• Plots one complete sine wave cycle across the window width
• Centered vertically in the console window
• Interactive visualization with cursor positioning

Usage

1. Run the application
2. Enter the desired amplitude (integer value)
3. The sine wave will be drawn across the console window
4. Press any key to exit

Recommended Settings

• Amplitude: 5-15 (depending on console height)
• Console size: Larger windows produce smoother curves
• Font: Monospace font for best visual results

Mathematical Formula

The program plots the function:

f(x) = A × sin(ω × x)

Where:

• A = Amplitude (user input)
• ω = Angular frequency = 2π / width
• x = Horizontal position (0 to window width)

Vertical Position Calculation

j = (int)(height / 2.0 - A * Math.Sin(2 * Math.PI * i / width))

This formula:

1. Centers the wave vertically at height / 2
2. Calculates sine value for current position i
3. Scales by amplitude A
4. Inverts the y-axis (console coordinates are top-down)

How It Works

Step-by-Step Process

1. Input: User enters amplitude value
2. Window detection: Program reads console dimensions
3. Plotting loop: For each horizontal position (0 to width):
   • Calculate corresponding y-position using sine function
   • Move cursor to calculated position
   • Draw asterisk character
4. Hold: Wait for keypress before exiting

Key Technical Details

• Console.WindowWidth and Console.WindowHeight get terminal dimensions
• Console.SetCursorPosition(x, y) positions cursor precisely
• One complete sine cycle plotted across window width
• Y-axis inverted because console coordinates start at top-left

Building and Running

Using Visual Studio

1. Open the project in Visual Studio
2. Press F5 or click "Start" to build and run

Using .NET CLI

dotnet run

Important Notes

• Maximize console window for best results
• Some terminals may not support cursor positioning
• Windows Command Prompt and PowerShell work well
• Terminal emulators on Linux/Mac generally supported

Parameters Explained

Amplitude (A)

Controls wave height:

• Small values (1-5): Gentle wave
• Medium values (6-15): Moderate wave
• Large values (>15): May exceed window height

Angular Frequency (ω)

Fixed at 2π / width to show exactly one complete cycle:

• Creates smooth, continuous wave
• Adapts to any window width
• Period equals window width

Possible Enhancements

Consider these extensions:

• Multiple wave cycles (configurable frequency)
• Different wave functions (cosine, tangent, damped oscillations)
• Color support for different amplitudes
• Animated waves (moving sine wave)
• Multiple simultaneous waves with interference patterns
• User-configurable phase shift
• Vertical amplitude adjustment based on window height

Troubleshooting

Wave appears cut off: Reduce amplitude or increase console height

No output visible: Ensure console supports cursor positioning

Wave looks jagged: Increase console width for smoother curve

Program crashes: Check that console window is not minimized

Source Code

Please refer to the GitHub repository.