Comparing an array

[doc7213]

I have an array that I need all elements compared to each other and if equal, one of the elements reset to nothing. Currently I have

Dim first as integer
Dim second as integer
Dim Array() as array

For second = 1 to 155
If Array(first) = Array(second) Then
Array(second) = ""
End If
Next second

All this does is keep the first element in the array and reset everything else to ""
Any direction would be helpful

 

[Raven65]

If you're stuck in Studio 2005, the following will get you started, but is pretty innefficent:

Dim currentValueToCheck As String
Dim myArray() As String = {"1", "2", "3", "4", "5", "1", "2", "3", "4", "6"}

For currentIndex As Integer = 0 To myArray.GetUpperBound(0)
  currentValueToCheck = CStr(myArray.GetValue(currentIndex))

  For searchIndex As Integer = currentIndex + 1 To myArray.GetUpperBound(0)
    If CStr(myArray.GetValue(searchIndex)) = currentValueToCheck Then
      myArray.SetValue("", searchIndex)
    End If
  Next
Next

If you're able to upgrade your project to Studio 08, thus enabling LINQ, you get a much more elegant: (Assuming you can drop duplicate entries, instead of just "blanking" them out.)

Dim withPossibleDuplicates() As String = {"1", "2", "3", "1", "2", "4"}

Dim query = From entries In withPossibleDuplicates _
                    Distinct

Dim withNoDuplicates As New List(Of String)
For Each result In query
 withNoDuplicates.Add(result)
Next

 

[Raven65]

Oh, also, I meant to include but forgot:

Save yourself a lot of headaches in your debugging and get out of the habit of using type similar names as your variable names:

i.e.

Dim Array() as array

While it works, its confusing, and late at night hours into your code you may find yourself regretting it as I once did.

You'll notice in my example I modified this to at LEAST be "Dim myArray" so there is some degree of difference; however, SPECIFIC naming is far far superior. You'll see in my second example I crafted up, I use things like "withPossibleDuplicates" which provide a highly descriptive name of what that variable should contain.

 

[doc7213]

Thank you for the quick reply and advice. I will implement and let you know how it turns out. Works like a charm. You saved me a big head ache. Thank you again.