Ordering

[HS Thomas]

A isn't next to B, C isn't next to D or B. B isn't next to E; neither is C, and D should be left of E.
Can you correctly put these letters in order from left to right ?
You could code a sort algorithm if you so wish.
regards

[Michael Dunn]

Here's my lash at it

class Ordering
{
  private static String out[] = {"AB","BA","CD","DC","CB","BC","BE","EB","CE","EC"};
  private static String in = "DE";
  private static String combos = "";
  public static void main(String args[])
  {
    getCombos("","ABCDE");
    System.out.println("valid combinations = " +combos);
    System.exit(0);
  }
  private static void getCombos(String str1, String str2)
  {
    int i = str2.length()-1;
    if(i < 1)
    {
      String str3 = str1+str2;
      int x;
      for(x = 0; x < out.length; x++)
      {
        if(str3.indexOf(out[x]) > -1) break;
      }
      if(x == out.length && str3.indexOf(in) > -1) combos += str3+" ";
    }
    else
    {
      for(int ii = 0; ii <= i; ii++)
      {
        getCombos(str1 + str2.substring(ii,ii+1), str2.substring(0, ii) +
                                  str2.substring(str2.length() - (i-ii)));
      }
    }
  }
}

[Varun Khanna]

BDEAC

[Arjun Shastry]

BDECA

[HS Thomas]

I am assuming you checked your answers.
OK , here's a slight variation.
A isn't next to B, C isn't next to D or B. B isn't next to E; neither is C, and D should be on E's left.
Can you correctly put these letters in order from left to right according to your perspective ?
regards

[Michael Dunn]

If "D should be on E's left" means to the right of E, when looking at E, then
CAEDB

[HS Thomas]

[HS Thomas]

Michael, you do realise that you have the beginnings of a program that would work out seating arrangements for a dinner at a diplomatic function ?
Arafat isn't next to Ariel Sharon....
GW Bush isn't next to Bill Clinton .....
(Bush: Are you still President ?
Clinton: The last time I checked, yes!)

Of course you could get away with inserting the wives in between, but you'd also need to know who's wife it is!
Clinton : **** X-rated stuff ******
Hilary : President Clinton, to you, sir!
Clinton : Oh! I thought I remembered you from somewhere !
*****************************************
Cherie : I suffer from the Allerednic syndrome (Cinderella in
reverse, when a capable woman is condemned to a life of
drudgery through marriage).
Tony : Heh! Heh! I am on paternity leave at the moment.
Cherie : Tony, it's time for Little Leo's nappy change.
Tony : Humph! Why do I have to change him ALL the time!
Cherie : 'Cos Carol said it's good for your image.
regards
[ September 20, 2003: Message edited by: HS Thomas ]