Removing Duplicate Entries in Array - Java

Question

For Java practice, I am trying to create a method inside my EmployeesDirectory Class that:

• Removes Duplicate entries from the array
• The array should be the same length after removing duplicates
• Non-Empty entries should be making a contiguous sequence at the beginning of the array - and the actualNum should keep a record of the entries

Duplicate Means: Same Name, Position and Salary

Here is my Current Code:

I am unsure on how to implement this - any help would be appreciated

class EmployeeDirectory {

    private Employee dir[];
    private int size;
    private int actualNum;

    public EmployeeDirectory(int n) {
        this.size = n;
        dir = new Employee[size];
    }

    public boolean add(String name, String position, double salary) {
        if (dir[size-1] != null) {
            dir[actualNum] = new Employee(name, position, salary);
            actualNum++;
            return true;
        } else {
            return false;
        }
    }
}

Answer 1

I'd rather you did not write a distinct method for removing duplicates. If I were you, I would search for duplicates in add method and then instantly decide whether I need to add Employee.

Also, why don't you use Sets (link for HashSet) instead of arrays for your purpose? Sets by their own definition disallow adding duplicates, so they seem to be appropriate as a solution