This repository contains the final project for my Data Structures class, representing a virtual simulation of a pyramid scheme. In this project, I have utilized my knowledge of recursion, binary trees, and JUnit testing to create a comprehensive simulation of how pyramid schemes operate and their impact.
A pyramid scheme is an illegal and fraudulent business model where participants are convinced to pay a fee to the person who recruited them. The central idea is that one can earn more by recruiting others. Each member gives a share of the fees they collect to their recruiter, creating a flow of money that moves upward within the hierarchy. While early participants might see some profit, the scheme inevitably collapses once new recruitments decrease, leaving most participants with losses.
The primary objective of this project is to:
- Demonstrate and solidify my understanding of recursion and binary trees in a real-world application.
- Use JUnit testing to ensure the reliability and correctness of the simulation.
- Simulation of Pyramid Scheme Dynamics: The project models the hierarchical structure of a pyramid scheme and the flow of money within it.
- Recursion & Binary Trees: Utilized to efficiently manage and simulate the complex structure of a pyramid scheme.
- JUnit Testing: Comprehensive tests to validate the functionality and accuracy of the simulation.
The simulation represents each participant in the pyramid scheme as a node in a binary tree. Money transactions and recruitments are handled through recursive functions, demonstrating the cascading effect of such schemes.
Feel free to modify this template to better fit the specifics of your project or to add additional sections as needed!