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Sorting Strings in an Array

Sorting Strings in an Array

Question:
I have a list of filenames in a String array. I’d like to sort them into alphabetical order. Is there a class to do this, or must I implement my own sort?

Answer:
If you are using JDK 1.2, you’re in luck and won’t have to roll any of your own code. The java.util.Arrays class in conjunctionwith the Collections API provides a ready-made way of sorting arrays. Keep in mind though that the sorts in the Arrays class are designed to work well with a large range of data sets, but may still not necessarily work well with the specific data distribution you areworking with. But for the case of sorting a bunch of filenames, the provided sorting algorithms will no doubt be more than adequate. Using JDK 1.2, you could sort an array of filenames as simply as this:

    String[] stringArray;    ...    java.util.Arrays.sort(stringArray);

But if you are not using JDK 1.2 yet, you will have to roll your own sort or use a third-party library such as ObjectSpace’s JGL. Sortingis a well-studied area, and you will find many algorithms to choose from by visiting your local library or bookstore’s computer algorithms section.

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