How Can I Efficiently Remove Duplicate Elements from a C# Array?

Removing Duplicate Values from C# Arrays: Efficient Techniques

Data integrity and performance often require removing duplicate entries from C# arrays. This article explores efficient methods to accomplish this task.

Converting the array to a List<T> offers one solution, but this approach can be computationally expensive, particularly with large datasets.

Optimal Solution: The Temporary Array Method

A more efficient strategy utilizes a temporary array to filter duplicates. The process involves iterating through the original array, comparing each element against the temporary array, and adding only unique elements to the temporary array. Finally, the temporary array, now containing only unique values, replaces the original.

Leveraging LINQ for Concise Duplicate Removal

The LINQ framework provides a streamlined approach. The Distinct() method elegantly removes duplicates with minimal code. Here's an illustration:

<code class="language-csharp">int[] s = { 1, 2, 3, 3, 4 };
int[] q = s.Distinct().ToArray();
// q now holds unique elements: {1, 2, 3, 4}</code>

Distinct() identifies and eliminates duplicates, producing a new array with only unique entries.

Choosing the Right Method

The best method depends on factors like array size and the frequency of duplicates. For large arrays with few duplicates, the temporary array method generally performs better. For smaller arrays or when using generic collections is preferable, the LINQ approach offers a concise and effective solution.

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