Sorting Strings

**Derek5272** · 08-20-2003

I'm about to start work on a program that will sort strings in alphabetical/numerical order. I searched the tutorials and the FAQ, but I didn't see anything that would help with this. Could anybody give me some sample code to get me started on this? Thank you in advance.

**major_small** · 08-20-2003

just check the first element in the array and move then around that way...

**Derek5272** · 08-20-2003

Um... That's exactly what I don't know how to do. Can you post a snippet of code to get me started?

**XSquared** · 08-20-2003

Code:

for( int i = 0; i < numStrings; i++ )
{

	for( int j = i; j < numStrings - 1; j++ )
	{

		if( strings[ j ] <  strings[ j + 1 ] )
		{

			string temp = strings[ j ];
			strings[ j ] = strings[ j + 1 ];
			strings[ j + 1 ] = temp;

		}

	}

}

**Derek5272** · 08-20-2003

Thank you! Now I've gotta copy it onto my laptop... Ah well. Thanks again.

Edit: Sorry, maybe I'm just stupid. I can't figure out how that works. Could you possibly tell me how?

**Derek5272** · 08-21-2003

Nobody can help me out anymore? Guess I have to wait another 5 hours.

**ripper079** · 08-21-2003

Nobody can help me out anymore? Guess I have to wait another 5 hours.

Well havn´t XSquared answered your question? XSquared uses a sort algorithm called bubble sort. Make a serach here or on The beloved google insteed of waiting.

**joshdick** · 08-21-2003

I suggest a different solution. After all, this is the C++ forum, and what's the point of programming in C++ if you're not going to write some classes?

Write a string class. Overload the boolean operators for this class. Once you implement that, you can use any ole sort you please that makes use of the boolean operators. I love classes

**golfinguy4** · 08-21-2003

Include the algorithm, string, and vector headers... then, put all the strings in the vector and use the following:

Code:

#include <algorithm>
#include <string>
#include <vector>


int main(void)
{     std::vector< std::string > myList;
      //populate myList with data
      std::sort(myList.begin(), myList.end());
      //myList is now sorted
}

If you want to use your own method of comparison instead of the default operator<, give the sort function a third parameter of your sorting function. For more info, check out here

**Derek5272** · 08-22-2003

Ok, I'm starting to get really confused...

Anyway, yesterday I found code for this in the source code section of this site (here). I copied that out, modified it to C++ commands and stuff, and it generated an error on the line:

Code:

SWAP(a[j-1],a[j]);

My compiler tells me that there is a syntax error on that line, and that a ';' is missing before the '}'. Now, I can see that there's no right brace on that line, so is my compiler just messed up (Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 Intro. Ed.)? Or is there something I'm missing?

**yakabod** · 08-22-2003

ive been seeing std in codes and stuff. and i know that it deals with strings but what else does it do and deal with? i dont really know what it is as for me getting confused and being a noob. seeing it in alot of peoples layout and dont know what they mean..

**JaWiB** · 08-22-2003

If your speaking of std like in this code:

Code:

#include <string>

int main(void)
{
std::string myStr("string");

}

it means you are creating a string object from the std (standard) namespace...After learning C++ basics I would suggest "The C++ Standard Library" by Nicolai M. Josuttis. I recently bought it and it has been great for a reference on the standard library, although I've been told its more of a standard template library reference.

**yakabod** · 08-22-2003

I would suggest "The C++ Standard Library" by Nicolai M. Josuttis.

alright thanks let me write that in my notebook

so this should tell me about the standard librarys right? and is it easy to understand?

**JaWiB** · 08-22-2003

Its not really that easy to understand so like I said make sure you have a good grasp on C++ before trying this book

Although many people would say its not a good book, I found "Sam's Teach Youself C++ in 21 Days" to be easy to understand and it included a variety of subjects

Edit: And as long as you get the most recent version it was also compliant with C++ standard AFAIK (uses the std namspace, etc.)

**Derek5272** · 08-22-2003

Ok... Now, could we get back on topic and answer my question? Thanks

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