Sorting Strings in Dictionary Order with Java

The Challenge of Lexicographical Sorting

When working with strings in Java, arranging them in dictionary order can be a complex task. However, by leveraging the right tools and techniques, this challenge can be overcome.

Implementing the Solution

Let’s create a program that sorts an array of strings in lexicographical order using a combination of for loops, if-else statements, and the compareTo() method.

public class StringSorter {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        String[] words = {"hello", "world", "abc", "def", "xyz"};
        for (int i = 0; i < words.length; i++) {
            for (int j = i + 1; j < words.length; j++) {
                if (words[i].compareTo(words[j]) > 0) {
                    // Swap words[i] and words[j]
                    String temp = words[i];
                    words[i] = words[j];
                    words[j] = temp;
                }
            }
        }
        // Print the sorted array
        for (String word : words) {
            System.out.println(word);
        }
    }
}

How it Works

In this program, we iterate through the array using two nested for loops. In each iteration, we compare the elements using the compareTo() method, and if the first element is greater than the second, we swap them. This process continues until the entire array is sorted.

Key Concepts

To fully understand this program, it’s essential to have a solid grasp of Java fundamentals, including:

• For loops: used to iterate through the array
• If-else statements: used to compare and swap elements
• Strings: used to store and manipulate the string data
• compareTo() method: used to compare strings lexicographically

Unlocking the Power of Java

By mastering these concepts and implementing the Bubble Sort algorithm, you’ll be able to tackle even more complex tasks with confidence. Start sorting today and unlock the full potential of Java!