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What is Currency Converter?

The Currency Converter is a Java-based console application that provides real-time currency exchange rates and conversions. Built as part of the Alura ONE Java Backend Challenge, it demonstrates object-oriented programming principles, HTTP API integration, and modern Java features. The application connects to the ExchangeRate-API to fetch live exchange rates and perform accurate currency conversions between multiple Latin American currencies and the US Dollar.

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Key Features

Real-Time Exchange Rates

Fetches current exchange rates from ExchangeRate-API for accurate conversions

Multiple Currency Pairs

Support for USD, Argentine Peso (ARS), Brazilian Real (BRL), and Colombian Peso (COP)

Conversion History

Track all your conversions with timestamps and detailed records

Interactive Menu

Easy-to-use console interface for quick currency conversions

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Supported Currencies

The Currency Converter currently supports the following currency pairs:
  • USD (United States Dollar) ⇄ ARS (Argentine Peso)
  • USD (United States Dollar) ⇄ BRL (Brazilian Real)
  • USD (United States Dollar) ⇄ COP (Colombian Peso)
Each currency pair supports bidirectional conversion, allowing you to convert from USD to the target currency or vice versa.

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Use Cases

Calculate costs and revenues when dealing with Latin American markets. Get real-time exchange rates to make informed business decisions.
Plan your budget when traveling between the United States and Latin American countries. Know exactly how much your money is worth in the local currency.
Study a practical example of Java development that demonstrates:
  • HTTP client usage with HttpClient and HttpRequest
  • JSON parsing with Gson library
  • Object-oriented programming with packages and models
  • Modern Java features like records, switch expressions, and lambdas
  • Collection management with ArrayList
Track exchange rates over time using the conversion history feature. Monitor how currency values fluctuate throughout the day.

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Architecture Overview

The application follows a clean MVC-inspired architecture: 
src/lad/com/alura/conversormoneda/
├── controladores/
│   └── ConversorApp.java       # Main application controller
├── modelos/
│   ├── ConsultaMoneda.java     # API integration service
│   └── RegistroConversion.java # Conversion record model
└── vista/
    └── Conversor.java          # User interface view
The application uses Gson 2.10.1 for JSON parsing and Java’s built-in HttpClient for API requests, requiring Java 11 or higher.

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Next Steps

Installation

Set up the Currency Converter on your system

Quick Start

Perform your first currency conversion

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