filtering - What is the best way to remove duplicates in an Array in Java?

Question

I have an Array of Objects that need the duplicates removed/filtered. I was going to just override equals & hachCode on the Object elements, and then stick them in a Set... but I figured I should at least poll stackoverflow to see if there was another way, perhaps some clever method of some other API?

Answer 1

I would agree with your approach to override hashCode() and equals() and use something that implements Set.

Doing so also makes it absolutely clear to any other developers that the non-duplicate characteristic is required.

Another reason - you get to choose an implementation that meets your needs best now:

• HashSet
• TreeSet
• LinkedHashSet

and you don't have to change your code to change the implementation in the future.