Sorting a Collection After Removing an Item

[VettesRus]

Hello, I am trying to get my program to remove and item from my collection and then move all the remaining items back together (removing the space from the removed item). My items are displayed through a GUI application as columns. My problem is once I remove the item my program leaves a space. I need it to move the remaining items to the right of the removed item a spot to the left to delete the space. I know it has something to do with making a new array that is a size smaller and displaying that, but I am having trouble displaying the new array.

	/*
	 * Method is used to remove items
	 */
	public void remove() {
		if ((newArray != null) && (size > 0) &&
					(itemSelected > EMPTY) && (itemSelected < size)) {
		for (int i = itemSelected + 1; i < size; i++)
			newArray[i - 1] = newArray[i];
			size--;
		}
		itemSelected = EMPTY;
	}

	// This method removes an item
	public void removeAction() {
		myCollection.reset(selectedItem);
		myCollection.remove();
		selectedItem=null;
		repaint();		
		}

[Junky]

When people say Collection they are referring to List, Queue, Set etc. Not arrays.

In the loop if the remove method you are decrementing size each time you move an item. Since you are removing a single item wouldn't you want to decrement size once?

[jim829]

Why not use a List? When you sort it using Collections.sort, it will maintain its order when you delete items.

Regards,
Jim

[Junky]

Trying to sort a collection after removing an item in GUI

Duplicate post

[VettesRus]

Im sorry I shouldnt have said sort. My collection contains random values and I have to remove either the min or max value. I do not actually want them sorted from high to low or vice versa. My mistake. I just cant figure out a way to copy the remaining values to a smaller collection, then display the new collection.

[jim829]

Use a List (see ArrayList). Then iterate thru the list and find the min or max value using the normal procedure (I assume you know that).
Whenever it changes, save the index. Then when you are done, remove the item in the list at that index. The collection size will be adjusted.

Regards,
Jim

[Junky]

So reply #2 didn't help? If not perhaps you could better explain what your problem is. Providing sample input and output and what it should be would help.

[Junky]

GRRRR!

Due to crappy formatting I though size-- was inside the for loop.

[VettesRus]

Im not exactly sure what you meant in post number 2. I am pretty new to java and really dont want to bother you guys asking stupid questions so I have been googling what both of you suggested. Here is a screenshot of what my output is. I generate random numbers, paint the collection, remove the min, but its supposed to move the remaining items to the right of the space to the left to fill in the null space.

[Junky]

Its a bit hard to help without seeing all the code. Create a SSCCE that does not include all the GUI code.

[jim829]

Assuming that you are just having problem finding a min or max and adjusting the list, did you see post #6? What do you not understand about it?

Regards,
Jim

[VettesRus]

I have the correct code to find the min and max, the only problem is displaying the new list without the null space. I am currently working on your suggestion from post number 6. Thank you.