How can I verify that an array of strings contain a certain string? [duplicate]

Question

Given :

String[] directions = {"UP","DOWN","RIGHT","LEFT","up","down","right","left"};

String input = "Up";

How can I verify that an input from stdin is within the directions array or not ?

I can make a loop and check each item with input using equal ,but I'm looking for a more elegant way.

Regards,Ron

Answer 1

Convert the array of valid directions to a list:

List valid = Arrays.asList(directions) 

Or just declare it directly as:

List valid = Arrays.asList("UP", "DOWN", "RIGHT", "LEFT", "up", "down", "right", "left") 

You can then use the contains method:

if (valid.contains(input)) {     // is valid } else {     // not valid } 

Note that this won't match a mixed case input such as "Up" so you might want to store just the uppercase values in the list and then use valid.contains(input.toUpperCase())

Answer 2

Convert your array to a List and than use the contains method.

List mylist = Arrays.asList(directions);
mylist.contains(input);

The contains method returns:

true if the list contains the specified element.