compare new content to an array for duplicates

[alamoguy]

I have an assignment that requires me to write C++ code that asks user for an input a number of times, but notifies them IF the input is a duplicate of another input.

I have created the array but I am having a mind block on how to validate the latest input from the user against information that has already been entered to determine if a duplicate exist.

I am really new to C++, I have spent the last 2 days trying to work this problem out on my own but I am just not getting it!

Any assistance would be appreciated.
Thanks
AlamoGuy

[keskiverto]

You have some old values.
You have new value foo.
If foo equals any of the old values, then it is a duplicate.

In other words, you have to look at each of the old values -- one at a time -- and if any is equal to foo, then ...

[alamoguy]

OK, maybe a silly question, but like I said I am new to this programming thing, but what is "foo" what does it stand for?
I tried to use an IF statement such as:

>IF ((data[i] == data [0]) || (data[i] == data[1]) || (data[i] == data [2])) {
cout << "That entry already exist";

but it didn't work. The array isn't very large it is only set at [10], I thought about creating a FUNCTION to check for duplicates, but for the life of me I can't think it through. BTW I have been out of school for over 30 years, and only now learning about programming as a potential new career venture. I worked in public service before, so I am probably alot slower than most here.
Thanks

[keskiverto]

"foo" is just a made up name.

What you need is a loop. http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/control/


Standard library has a function std::find http://www.cplusplus.com/reference/algorithm/find/

You were right about creating a function. That keeps things "simpler". std::find is such function.