[RESOLVED] Randomize from dynamic array

[irishlad]

I have a dynamic array that will be populated by the user which are strings. I also have a textbox for the user to enter a number of random items to be pulled from the array and listed in a text box on another form when a button is clicked on main form. I'm not sure how to go about getting random strings from a user generated array. Here is the code for the user input. Any help for the btnrandom_click event would be appreciated.

Public Class frmMain
Dim bunkname() As String
Dim cells As Integer

Private Sub btnInput_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles btnInput.Click
Dim prompt, title As String
Dim i As Short
prompt = "Enter each Bunk number."
cells = InputBox("How many total bunks do you have?", "Create array")
If cells > 0 Then ReDim bunkname(cells - 1)
For i = 0 To UBound(bunkname)
title = "Cells " & (i + 1)
bunkname(i) = InputBox(prompt, title)
Next
End Sub

Private Sub btnRandom_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles btnRandom.Click
frmList.Show()
Randomize()

End Sub
End Class

[jmcilhinney]

You get a random element from an array the same way regardless of how it was created:

Dim index As Integer = myRandom.Next(0, myArray.Length)
Dim element As Object = myArray(index)

Obviously the array and the Random object must already exist. Also, you would get the element as the appropriate type rather than as Object.

[Shaggy Hiker]

Also, though JM alluded to it, you should look into the Random object. I see you have Randomize in there, which suggests that you are using the old VB6 Rnd(). This has been replaced by the much easier Random object.

[jmcilhinney]

For a more complete code example using a Random object take a look at my CodeBank post regarding unique random selections.

http://www.vbforums.com/showthread.php?t=393023

[irishlad]

Ok I tried everything and still stumped. All I get is a "0" in the textbox. Don't know if i'm just tired or just don't get it, I'm confused as hell for sure. The result I want is a random list in the textbox of just the string only in two or three colums. ex:

3A01 4C15 4D18
2A10 3C17 1B45

Public Class frmMain
    Dim bunkname() As String
    Dim cells As Integer

    Private Sub btnInput_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles btnInput.Click
        Dim prompt, title As String
        Dim i As Short
        prompt = "Enter each Bunk number."
        cells = InputBox("How many total bunks do you have?", "Create array")
        If cells > 0 Then ReDim bunkname(cells - 1)
        For i = 0 To UBound(bunkname)
            title = "Cells " & (i + 1)
            bunkname(i) = InputBox(prompt, title)
        Next
    End Sub

    Private Sub btnRandom_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles btnRandom.Click
        frmList.Show()
        Dim list As New ArrayList
        For i As Integer = 0 To UBound(bunkname)
            list.Add(i)
        Next i

        Dim item As Object
        Dim rand As New Random

        While list.Count > 0
            cells = rand.Next(0, list.Count)
            item = list(cells)
            list.RemoveAt(cells)
            frmList.tbxList.Text = (bunkname.ToString())
        End While
    End Sub
End Class