C# SortedSet<T> Class

C# SortedSet<T> Class

The SortedSet<T> class in C# is a part of the System.Collections.Generic namespace and represents a collection of objects that are maintained in sorted order. Unlike a list or array, a SortedSet<T> does not allow duplicate entries.

Here's a tutorial on how to use the SortedSet<T> class in C#:

1. Setting Up

First, you need to include the appropriate namespace:

using System; using System.Collections.Generic;

2. Creating a SortedSet

To create a new SortedSet of a specific type:

SortedSet<int> numbers = new SortedSet<int>();

3. Adding Items

To add an item to the set:

numbers.Add(3); numbers.Add(1); numbers.Add(2);

Since it's a set, the items will automatically be sorted and duplicates won't be added.

4. Removing Items

To remove an item:

numbers.Remove(2);

5. Checking If an Item Exists

You can check if a particular item exists in the set:

bool containsThree = numbers.Contains(3);

6. Counting Items

To get the number of items in the set:

int count = numbers.Count;

7. Iterating Through a SortedSet

You can use a foreach loop to iterate through the items, which will be in sorted order:

foreach (int number in numbers) { Console.WriteLine(number); }

8. Set Operations

SortedSet<T> provides several methods for performing set operations:

  • Union: Combines two sets:

    SortedSet<int> otherNumbers = new SortedSet<int> { 4, 5 }; numbers.UnionWith(otherNumbers);

  • Intersection: Retains only the elements that are present in both sets:

    numbers.IntersectWith(otherNumbers);

  • Difference: Removes all elements of the second set from the first:

    numbers.ExceptWith(otherNumbers);

  • Symmetric Difference: Keeps only elements that are unique to each set:

    numbers.SymmetricExceptWith(otherNumbers);

9. Clearing the SortedSet

To remove all items from the set:

numbers.Clear();

10. Points to Remember:

  1. No Duplicates: The SortedSet<T> does not allow duplicate entries. If you try to add a duplicate item, the method will return false and the collection remains unchanged.

  2. Order: The SortedSet<T> maintains its items in a sorted order based on the default comparer (Comparer<T>.Default). If you want a custom order, you can provide an IComparer<T> when constructing the set.

  3. Performance: The SortedSet<T> provides fast lookups and offers set operations, making it suitable for mathematical set-related operations.

Conclusion

The SortedSet<T> class is useful when you need a collection that maintains its items in a sorted order without duplicates. It's especially beneficial for scenarios where set operations, like union and intersection, are frequently needed.

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