How to randomize?

[cerise]

I'm just starting learning Java, and we have a project that needs to demonstrate shuffling playing cards. We're using objects as our playing cards, and we've put these objects in stacks, and I wonder if anyone can help me how to "shuffle" these objects or put them in a random arrangement?

[sicarie]

One of the best skills you can develop is the ability to search for methods and classes that you can use. So check this out and see if you can figure out a way to do that. If not, post again with what you tried, we'll try to get you headed in the right direction.

[cerise]

One of the best skills you can develop is the ability to search for methods and classes that you can use. So check this out and see if you can figure out a way to do that. If not, post again with what you tried, we'll try to get you headed in the right direction.

Okay, thanks very much. I'll try it and post what I come up with as soon as I can, because as of yet I still haven't figured out how to make the objects (cards).

[cerise]

One of the best skills you can develop is the ability to search for methods and classes that you can use. So check this out and see if you can figure out a way to do that. If not, post again with what you tried, we'll try to get you headed in the right direction.

I've figured out how to use Math.random() package, but is there a way to make the generated numbers unique? For example, I only need numbers from 0 to 51. Can you tell me how I generate one random number only once so that in the end, it seems like I'm rearranging the numbers 0 to 51 in a random sequence?

[JosAH]

I've figured out how to use Math.random() package, but is there a way to make the generated numbers unique? For example, I only need numbers from 0 to 51. Can you tell me how I generate one random number only once so that in the end, it seems like I'm rearranging the numbers 0 to 51 in a random sequence?

Have a look at the Collections.shuffle() method. If I remember well I already
gave you this tip before.

kind regards,

Jos

[cerise]

Have a look at the Collections.shuffle() method. If I remember well I already
gave you this tip before.

kind regards,

Jos

Thank you. ^_^ But I'm pretty sure you haven't given me this tip yet, as it is the first time I've read or heard of it.

[JosAH]

Thank you. ^_^ But I'm pretty sure you haven't given me this tip yet, as it is the first time I've read or heard of it.

My bad; it must've been someone else. The shuffle() algorithm correctly shuffles
lists for you such that every permutation of the list have equal chance. Simply
create a list with unique numbers and let that method do the hard work.

kind regards,

Jos

[BigDaddyLH]

My bad; it must've been someone else. The shuffle() algorithm correctly shuffles
lists for you such that every permutation of the list have equal chance. Simply
create a list with unique numbers and let that method do the hard work.

If the point of this exercise was to write code that shuffles a deck of cards, calling shuffle is a one-line solution. I would ask the instructor if that is acceptable, or if the whole point was to code your own implementation of a shuffle method!

[Ganon11]

If the professor doesn't accept the .shuffle(), think about how you could simulate shuffling using swapping...

[cerise]

Thank you everyone for your very helpful replies. ^^ I was able to shuffle the cards now using the shuffle() algorithm. Our instructor accepted this method of shuffling the cards since the overall project is solitaire.

[BigDaddyLH]

Thank you everyone for your very helpful replies. ^^ I was able to shuffle the cards now using the shuffle() algorithm. Our instructor accepted this method of shuffling the cards since the overall project is solitaire.

What a softie! I would have make students write their own shuffle ;-)

[Ganon11]

I probably would have skipped over the .shuffle() method provided because I would have wanted to write my own...

[JosAH]

I probably would have skipped over the .shuffle() method provided because I would have wanted to write my own...

If I were the instructor I would've accepted that Collections.shuffle() method because
I sincerely hate having to dig through all those off-by-one errors.

kind regards,

Jos ;-)

[Ganon11]

If I were the instructor I would've accepted that Collections.shuffle() method because
I sincerely hate having to dig through all those off-by-one errors.

kind regards,

Jos ;-)

If you were the instructor, that would have been a very interesting class.

[blazedaces]

If you were the instructor, that would have been a very interesting class.

I'd sign up for that class ...

Then I'd make it a bit harder for the teacher... :P

-blazed

[JosAH]

If you were the instructor, that would have been a very interesting class.

Please spare me; I just have a few rules:

1) as I said: I hate digging through all those off-by-one errors; re-use code which
we can asume to be correct;
2) I'm the only one allowed to smoke in the classroom;
3) when I appear to be asleep I don't sleep; I'm thinking.
4) when I wear a paper brown hat over my head it's none of your business.

kind regards,

Jos ;-)